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.

Surface: trail Profile: Mountainous

Weather

Temperature -5°C

Humidity 65%

Rain Chance 45%

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.

The Race

Gorak Shep

Race Lore

Born in the Running Boom

1987 Origin

The Everest Marathon was founded in 1987, during the golden age of mass-participation running. Now 39 years old, it has established itself as a beloved fixture in Gorak Shep, growing from its early editions into a race with genuine character and loyal following.

The Hills That Break You

Course

With 2245m of elevation gain, the Everest Marathon is not a course for the faint-hearted. The climbs are where races are won and lost — where the gap between training and undertrained reveals itself without mercy. Locals say the course doesn't beat you; it just waits for you to beat yourself.

The Cold Truth

Drama

Racing in temperatures that hover around -5°C demands respect. The Everest Marathon tests not just fitness but preparation — the wrong clothing choice or insufficient warm-up routine can turn a good race into a survival exercise within the first few kilometers.

Only the Committed Finish

Drama

The Everest Marathon carries an "extreme" difficulty rating for good reason. The combination of terrain, conditions, and distance creates an event where finishing is a genuine achievement. Drop-out rates are high, preparation requirements are serious, and the line between adventure and misadventure is thin.

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Registration

Registration Opens November

Registration Closes March

Entry Cost NPR 28,000-35,000

Official Website →

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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.

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