The World’s Most Extreme Marathon

We have been showcasing the most extreme endurance races on the planet in recent months, and our latest beast does not disappoint.

The Tenzing Hillary Everest marathon

(image of Sir Edmund Hillary sculpture from Flickr user Brewbooks)

Although this race is not the longest we have featured, being 26.2 miles, it’s not your standard marathon…

The race takes place on Mount Everest. The 155 runners set off from the base camp which is situated at 5,356m (17,572ft) above sea level and finish off the race at 2,000 metres further down. These extreme conditions and ever changing  altitude make it a real test of stamina and fitness.

The runners were struggling for breath moments after setting off, because the base camp atmosphere has only half as much oxygen as at ground level. Not only is the risk of altitude sickness a big factor in the marathon, the temperatures also play a part with the athletes, with freezing weather adding to the handicaps of the race.

This year’s race was won by a Nepali racer, Phurba Tamang who became the winner of the 10th annual Tenzing Hillary Everest marathon.

Read more here about the Tenzing Hillary Everest marathon on the Metro website here

Don’t forget, if you’re setting off on an adventure this summer please get in touch to make sure you’re adequately covered.