42.195 km
Distance
2,245 m
Elevation Gain
8:30:00
Average Finish Time
45
Total Finishers
1987
Established
Mountainous
Profile
Get Your Training Plan
Free, personalized for this race
Course & Elevation
The world's highest marathon starts at Gorak Shep (5,364m), the basecamp support area for Mount Everest climbers, and descends through the Khumbu Valley along trekking trails. Runners traverse alpine meadows, ancient prayer flag-laden pathways, and Sherpa villages while acclimatizing to extreme altitude, finishing in Namche Bazaar (3,440m). The race combines breathtaking Himalayan scenery with severe altitude, thin air, and challenging mountain terrain.
🌤️ Weather
May offers a brief window before monsoon season with cold temperatures and potential snow or rain at altitude. Strong winds are common at high elevation; runners experience thin air with only 50% oxygen availability at the start.
Registration
Register Now
Official Website →
🎯 Fun Facts
- ▸ The Everest Marathon is the world's highest marathon, starting at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) elevation in the Everest region.
- ▸ Runners must acclimatize for several days before the race due to extreme altitude where oxygen is 50% less available than at sea level.
- ▸ Founded in 1987, the race was created to raise awareness about environmental conservation in the Himalayas.
- ▸ The average finish time exceeds 8 hours due to altitude, terrain difficulty, and the need for measured pacing in thin air.
Get race tips & guides in your inbox
Race tips, training guides, and the latest from 500+ races worldwide.
Are you the race organizer? Claim this page