On 29 May 2025, the 21th edition of the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon was held, marking the 72nd anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa's historic summit of Mount Everest. Taking place in the heart of Nepal’s Khumbu region, this high-altitude event stood as a powerful tribute to human endurance, cultural heritage, and environmental consciousness.
This year’s marathon drew approximately 250 runners from around the world, all eager to conquer one of the most demanding courses. Starting at an altitude of over 5,000 metres, participants faced not only the physical strain of marathon running, but also the thin Himalayan air, rugged terrain, and unpredictable mountain weather.
Race Categories and Routes
The marathon features three distinct race categories:
Full Marathon (42.195 km): Starting at Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), the route descends to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), traversing rugged mountain trails and offering breathtaking views.
Half Marathon (21 km): Commencing from Dingboche (4,395 m), this race also concludes at Namche Bazaar, providing a challenging yet shorter alternative for participants .
Extreme Ultra Marathon (70 km): For seasoned ultra-runners, this grueling course begins at Everest Base Camp and covers an extensive trail through the Khumbu region before finishing at Namche Bazaar.
Highlights from the 2025 Results
The most recent edition of the Everest Marathon showcased exceptional performances across various categories, celebrating both local talent and international participation:
42 km Full Marathon – Overall Category
First Place: Suman Kulung (Nepal)
Second Place: Gopal Tamang (Nepal)
Third Place: Arjun Kulung Rai (Nepal)
42 km Foreigner Category
First Place: Rune Hony (Norway)
Second Place: Sam Vervloet (Belgium)
Third Place: Serge Joshua Albohayre (United Kingdom)
42 km Women’s Category
First Place: Lakpa Ngima Sherpa (Nepal)
Second Place: Anita Rai (Nepal)
Third Place: Dil Kala Kulung (Nepal)
21 km Half Marathon
First Place: Jordi Andreu (Spain)
Second Place: Amar Subba (India)
Third Place: Mark John Sodgell (United Kingdom)
70 km Extreme Ultra Marathon
First Place: Man Kumar Rana Magar (Nepal)
Second Place: Kiran Kulung (Nepal)
Third Place: Dhan Raj Kulung (Nepal)
45 km Foreigner Women’s Category
First Place: Jin Zhu (United States)
Second Place: Veronica Gutu Serdta (Moldova)
Third Place: Adela Wegschmiedova (Czech Republic)
These achievements reflect not only individual athleticism but also the international camaraderie that defines the spirit of the Everest Marathon.
Preparation and Acclimatisation
Given the extreme altitudes and demanding terrain, participants are required to arrive in Nepal weeks ahead of the race for acclimatisation and preparation. Organisers recommend a comprehensive trekking and acclimatisation programme leading up to the event to ensure runners are adequately prepared for the challenges ahead.
Environmental Commitment
The Everest Marathon is dedicated to preserving the pristine environment of the Everest region. Organisers implement eco-friendly practices, including waste minimisation and clean-up initiatives, to ensure the sustainability of this iconic event.
Looking Ahead
The Everest Marathon continued to be more than just a race—it remained an extraordinary journey through one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. For many, it was a life-changing adventure blending sport, culture, and the raw beauty of the Himalayas.
Those looking to take on this remarkable challenge in future editions are encouraged to prepare well in advance. More information, including registration details, can be found at the official website: Everest Marathon
PC: Aayush bista, Ankit Manandhar, Babul Maharjan
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