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Everest Marathon

Introduction

Itinerary

Lodging

Included

Not Included

Flights and Visas

Other Trip Details

Gear List

Nepal
Tenzing-Hillary
Everest Marathon (Full & 1/2)
Max Altitude 17,593ft Trip Level 5

marathonrunners

Dates (2009)
May 14- June 03

(select date to reserve your spot)

Price (2009)
Race and Trek per person $2,150
(single supplement $295)

Non-runner and Trek per person $1,950
(single supplement $295)

Run only (no trek) per person $999


Arrival/ Departure
Kathmandu, Nepal

(Marathon Application Form)
 

marathonrunners

Introduction
Eastern Mountain Sports is excited to be a part of this incredible event!
We are proud to be working with Bikrum Pandey founder of the Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon. Bikrum’s company HimEx Nepal will be providing all on ground organization for the event.

Closing date for applications is, April 1st, 2009 – A $250 penalty will be charged for any new applications or payments sent after this date.

The event is open to all athletes, regardless of caste, creed, country or religion. Friends and family of runners taking part in the race can also apply, as a non-runner.

Race description
Race will start at 7:00am the morning of May 29, above Everest base camp, at the foot of the Khumbu icefall 18,000 ft. This is the highest starting line for any race in the world. The start will wind through glacial moraine until reaching the trekking trails that will lead up/down to the village of Namche Bazaar 11,500 ft. You will be dropping in altitude, but not in elevation gains or loses, remember nothing in the Himalaya is really all down hill.

Qualifications to participate in the marathon
Athletes must be physically fit and mentally sound. A medical certificate from your doctor is necessary, stating that you are healthy and free of injury. Health certificates should be faxed or mailed with your entry form, or brought to Kathmandu and given during registration. See sign up procedure.

Qualifications for non-runner
You should be in good health and physical fitness. All non-runners must have previous hiking experience on varied mountainous terrain.

Itinerary

May 14– Arrival
Someone will be at the airport to pick you up and take you to the Kathmandu Guest House, our race headquarters and host lodge.

MAY 15– Day of sightseeing
(B)
Expect to be out sightseeing from 9am to 2pm. Lunch will not be included with the tour. You should also be prepared to claim check your luggage with the hotel, that isn’t going on the trek. After the sightseeing tour the race meeting will be held.

May 16– Group departs to Lukla (9,321ft)
(B,L,D)
We will depart by plane for the short 45-minute flight to Lukla airport. We will be camping tonight in Lukla.

May 17– Lukla (9,321ft) to Phakding (9,321ft)
(B,L,D)

May 18– Phakding (9,321ft) to Namche Bazaar (11,283ft)
(B,L,D)
The time in Namche will be spent getting acclimatized. You will be guided on day hikes and some running will be possible.

May 19- Phakding (9,321ft) to Namche Bazaar (11,283ft)
(B,L,D)

May 20- Phakding (9,321ft) to Namche Bazaar (11,283ft)
(B,L,D)

May 21– Trek to Thyangboche Monastery (12,683ft)
(B,L,D)

May 22– Trek to Dingboche (14,464ft)
(B,L,D)

May 23– Acclimatization day in Dingboche (14,464ft)
(B,L,D)

May 24– Trek to Lobocue (16,105ft)
(B,L,D)

May 25– Trek to Gorak Shep (16,859ft)
(B,L,D)

May 26–Gorak Shep (16,859ft)
(B,L,D)
Early morning climb of Kala Pattar and afternoon rest.
Non-runner schedule: After climb of Kala Pattar non-runners will head back down the valley; you will not be going to EBC. Tonight’s lodging will be in Periche.
Full marathon runners schedule: Everyone should meet at Gorak Shep today. You’ll be responsible for lodging until reach EBC the next day. We’ll have check-in sheets here.

May 27– Trek to Everest Base Camp (17,593ft)
(B,L,D)
Non-runner schedule: Today we’ll leave Periche and head down to the Tengboche Monastery or to Phortse.
Full marathon runners schedule: Everyone should meet at Everest Base Camp today. Tents will be provided for everyone signed up to run the marathon.
Half marathon runners schedule: You will head down to Lobuche from Gorak Shep and spend the time there. Your gear will be sent down with you.

May 28– Rest day at Everest Base Camp (17,593ft)
(B,L,D)
Non-runner schedule: Today non-runners will reach Namche around 3 pm. Lodging will be in Namche.
Full marathon runners schedule: This morning will be a mock start for the race.
Half marathon runners schedule: Today you will hike (5 – 6 hrs) from Lobuche down to the small village of Orsho where the half marathon will start the next morning. You’ll arrive with plenty of time to relax and prepare.

May 29– Race Day. Both races start at 7:00am and finish at dusk. Full marathon from Khumbu Ice Fall at Everest Base Camp to Namche Bazaar (11,283ft). Half marathon from Orsho (13,120ft) to Namche Bazaar (11,283ft)
Non-runner schedule:
After breakfast we’ll gather to watch the first runners come in around 10:45 am.
All Runners:
1st check point – Gorak Shep
2nd check point – Periche
3rd check point – Phunge Thanga after Thyangboche
4th and final check – Namche Bazaar (finish line)
Race finish is at dusk.

May 30– Morning rest in Namche, afternoon trek down to Monjo
(B,L,D)

May 31– Trek back down to Lukla
(B,L,D)

June 01– Flight back to Kathmandu
(B,L,D)
Celebration dinner. Time will be announced.

June 02– Free day in Kathmandu
(B)

June 03– Departure for home
(B)
You will be escorted by van back to the airport for departure. Instructions for clearing immigrations will be given.

Lodging

In Kathmandu
Our host hotel will be the Shankar Hotel, located in Lazimpat; only 10 minutes walk from the tourist district of Thamel. All rooms are double occupancy unless other wise stated. There is an extra fee for single rooms. Breakfast will be included with your room. If you need additional nights lodging please let us know, so we can arrange rooms as needed.

The Shankar Hotel will store your extra luggage for you in a safe claim check area. Your trekking bag should be ready to go the night before the trek starts and your extra luggage should be checked in with the front desk.

Trekking
This is a camping trek, with our own cooking staff. All camping equipment will be provided.

Included
Airport transfers
B/B hotel in Kathmandu (4 nights)
Half day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
Domestic flights w/tax, Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu
Teahouse lodging during trek to Everest base camp
Tent camping at Everest base camp (two nights)
Group camping equipment w/cooking staff
Three meals per day during trek
First aid kit
Porters or pack animals
Certified guides
Marathon event
Park permits

Not Included
International airfare
Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
Nepal visa ($30)
Extra nights hotel
Helicopter evacuation
Travel/medical insurance
Items of a personal nature
Overweight luggage for flight
Tipping of staff (see other trip info)
Costly changes to itinerary

Flights and Visas
Flight Arrangements (VERY IMPORTANT)
After you have sent your deposit you should book your flight. Fights into Nepal are limited and fill quickly. You will need to arrive in Kathmandu on or before May 14, and depart for home on or after, June 3rd. If you need extra nights in Kathmandu because of flight schedules, we can arrange them for you. This cost would be extra and is $40 per night (double occupancy) and $70 per night single occupancy. You are free to make your own hotel arrangements for the extra nights you need if you wish.

Arrivals and Departures
Everyone will be met at the airport in Kathmandu and taken to the Shankar Hotel. Once you’ve retrieved your luggage go directly outside through the exit door, a staff member will be standing outside with a sign saying “Everest Marathon”.

Canadian and US travel agent:
Govind Shahi at Himalayan Treasures and Travel – Pinole California
govind@himalayantravels.com
phone 800-223-1813

Swie Shumake at Nova Travel - Oregon.
Swie@novatravel.com
phone 800-646-6682

Nepal visa
This can be purchased upon arrival to Kathmandu. The cost is $30 USD (exact change) you will also need to bring one passport photo. A Nepali visa application form will be handed out during your arrival flight. Make sure to fill everything out before landing. Once inside the terminal someone will come around and staple your photo onto the application form. Once in line for Tourist Visas, you’ll pay the fee, get a receipt then take the receipt to the next man who will register you and stamp your passport.

Other Trip Details
Sign-up procedures
1) Application forms can be downloaded from our website www.emstrek.com. You can also e-mail Becky Harrison, Race Coordinator at becky@emstrek.com and she’ll e-mail or mail you all the needed forms, billing and mailing instructions for the marathon. Becky can be reached by phone in the US at 1-888-755-8735, Eastern Standard Time.

2) A non-refundable deposit of $250 USD is needed to hold a space in this marathon. Application form & Medical Release forms, along with your deposit should be sent to the address below. All forms are due when making your deposit. Forms can also be faxed to 1-603-374-1971.

3) Balance is due by March 31. If final balance is not received, or special arrangements made, your space will be filled after April 01.

4) Each participant will need a Health Certificate from their doctor, stating that you are physically able to participate in a marathon at these altitudes (11,000 ft. – 18,000 ft) and on this type of terrain. This can be presented in Kathmandu once you arrive. This can be a simple letter signed by your doctor.

5) If you’re not sure we are still accepting applications, e-mail Becky Harrison at becky@emstrek.com.

Payment options
1) Personal Check:
A personal check or money order can be sent. Make your check payable to Eastern Mountain Sports.

Eastern Mountain Sports
Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon
c/o Becky Harrison
PO Box 446
Bartlett, NH 03812 USA

2) Pay deposit with all major credit cards directly by selecting the trip date on the top of this page.

Final payment
A final statement will be sent by email 60 days before the event starting date. This statement will have a cost breakdown of all fees associated with booking extra nights lodging, final race fees and Single Supplement fee if single lodging was requested. Your final payment must reach us before March 31. We can bill a credit card for all final fees.

Tipping
Each person should plan to bring on the trek 7000 rupees = $100 USD for tipping. I would set this aside for the end of the trek. You will be advised on how the tipping process works by your group leader.
Also if you have personal contact with a staff member and want to pass along an item of clothing that would be great, but not in replacement of the tip.
We understand that in many countries tipping for service is not a daily practice. In Nepal, the staff is used to being tipped for a job well done and this is a normal part of trekking. Of course, you’re not required to tip for services.

What you should bring as "carry-on" when traveling to Nepal.
1. One change of street clothes and one set of running clothing.
2. Two pair underwear.
3. Any medications prescribed by your doctor, and contact lens eyewash.
4. Your hiking boots, w/2 pair socks/running shoes, w/socks.
5. The daypack you’ll use while trekking.
6. All currency in a travel money belt.
7. Camera (film, memory cards & batteries can be purchased in Kathmandu).

Gear List
This list should include everything needed for anyone of our trekking, hiking & sightseeing adventures. Any item with the word OPTIONAL isn’t necessary but will make your trip more enjoyable. Each person is restricted to a 28 lb. luggage limit (which includes your sleeping bag), so pack wisely. If you really need to bring more than 28 lbs you are responsible for any over weight charges on domestic & International flights along with portage staff. Everyone should remember that clothing can be washed out on rest days or in the evening.

The only items you’ll take on the actual adventure should be on this list. Your travel and street clothes will be left behind at originating hotel, locked in a secure claim check, until your return from the trip. If your trip doesn’t return to originating city everything will go with you.

Footwear/ Boots- ONE PAIR of medium weight hiking boots - well broken in and waterproofed. Camp Footwear - ONE PAIR of sneakers or Teva-style sandals.

Socks- FOUR PAIR SOCKS made of synthetic materials or wool blend. Next to the skin, some people like thin polyester or polypropylene socks to transport perspiration from the foot to the outer sock.

Long Underwear (tops and bottoms)- One pair. Should be made of CoolMax, polypropylene, or other synthetic (no cotton blends).

Underwear- FOUR PAIR, synthetic (no cotton blends).

Bra/Sports bra- TWO, synthetic (no cotton blends).

Shirts- TWO, 1 short and 1 long sleeve.

Fleece Pullover and pants– ONE, to be carried with you.

Jacket- One warm jacket, down filled or Hollofill or any similar high loft insulation.

Waterproof Parka & Pants- The parka should be waterproof with hood and pit zips. The pants will go over fleece pants or long underwear, and must be waterproof (side-zip style is optional). These don’t need to be made out of Gore-Tex, but can be just coated nylon or plastic.

Pants- TWO PAIR Some people like the kind that you can zip the legs off of to have shorts for warm afternoons. This is a good idea; it saves space and weight. Please, no cotton jeans.

Shorts- ONE PAIR Most Asian cultures feel it's an insult to expose large areas of the body, so when buying shorts make sure they are a longer style. Instead of shorts, many women trek in skirts. Wearing a skirt allows you to change bottoms without much trouble, and if no bushes are around it gives you some privacy.

Gloves or Mittens– lightweight gloves are fine for treks in low elevations and early mornings in the mountains. When traveling in higher elevations, (14,000 ft.) warm gloves or mittens are needed.

Headgear, a.k.a. Hats- During the day youšll need a hat with a brim to protect your face from intense sun, and at night a fleece or wool hat for warmth.

Sunglasses- TWO PAIR, this is a very important piece of equipment. The eye is particularly vulnerable to the brilliance of mountain skies and reflection off of snow. The reason for two pair is in case one pair gets lost.

Water Bottles– TWO BOTTLES, we prefer the 32oz Nalgene brand. Another option is a hydration system: a plastic bladder that sits in your backpack with a hose and drinking valve attached. We favor the Platypus brand, as we can put boiling water into it without causing the bladder to leak. This is important on treks because some of your drinking water may need to be boiled for safety, and very hot when you get it. Also, the bladder can be taken to bed with you to warm your feet at night.

Bandana– One or two

Sunscreen and Lip Protection- One of each, you should carry these with you during the day. We recommend that you purchase sunscreen that doesn’t come off when you perspire and the highest rating you can find.

Baby Wipes- Amount depends on time traveling. Average one large container will last 2 weeks. These can also be purchased in Kathmandu, so if you're going in and out of town during your trip you can restock. These work great for cleaning up after a long day!

Camp Towel- ONE, LARGE this will be for drying after showering. The brand I use is called "Pack Towel," and can be found at EMS retail stores. These must be washed before use, so check out the directions.

Toiletries- Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, dental floss, lotion, etc. Try to find organic brands that wonšt hurt the environment. Women must remember to bring sanitary napkins or tampons.

Flashlight or Headlamp- Remember to bring extra batteries.

Duffel/Travel Bag- One bag that holds 6000 cubic inches. Bring one extra bag (small) that can be left in Hotel with street and travel clothing. Your bag shouldn’t have wheels or any other metal or plastic parts.

Day Pack- Any daypack that is comfortable when caring a jacket, two water bottles, book, binoculars, and camera.

Trash Bags- (4) - 32 oz. garbage bags. These can come in handy to cover your daypack during a downpour or for dirty clothes.

Sleeping Bag- Listed are sleeping bag ratings for travel to certain areas in the countries we travel to. These are recommended ratings, but if you’re a cold sleeper always get the warmest bag available. Never bring an old sleeping bag (10 years), no matter how well it’s been stored! If you own a bag and you’re not sure of the temperature ratings, measure the amount of loft while the bag is lying on the floor. The higher loft the warmer the bag. For instance a -40°F bag will have approximately 8 inches or more of loft and a 32°F bag will have about 4 inches of loft and so on.
1) Jungle or lowland areas, 32 to 45°F degree bag
2) Mountain foothill areas, a 0 to 20°F degree bag
3) Trekking with combination of very high mountain passes and mountain foothill areas, 0 to -10°F degree bag
4) Traveling at high altitudes during the months of December, January, February or any mountaineering trips, a bag rated to -20 to -40°F is recommended.

Ear Plugs- Good for blocking out barking dogs or a snoring room mate (OPTIONAL)

Waterless Hand Cleaner/Sanitizer- (1 SMALL BOTTLE) Carry it with you during the day. Most people assume that if they get "the Nepali two step," it was because the cook didn’t wash his hands before preparing dinner. Or was it the water? But much of the time, it was their own hands that made them go running for the bathroom.

Personal Prescription Drugs & First Aid Kit-Your guide will be carrying an extensive medical kit; but if a whole group gets ill, a full course of antibiotics for each person would involve carrying a lot of drugs. So, when you get inoculations for the trip, ask your doctor to write a prescription for a full range antibiotic, like cipro or noraflaxin. Common illnesses include sinus infections, strep throat and intestinal problems.

Also pack together a sampling of non-prescription drugs for headache’s, stomachaches, diarrhea, and blister kit. These will be for your own use during the trek.

****Mountaineering climbs, trips or treks that reach altitudes of over 12,000-ft: you might want to talk with your doctor about the use of Diamox a prescription drug used to help with acclimatization to extreme altitude. Diamox has been shown to help the body adjust to altitude, but will not mask the symptoms.  The suggested dose is 125mg twice a day after 11,000-ft and increasing the doze as you gain altitude but not to exceed 500mg twice a day. If you cannot take sulfa drugs, then you will not be able to take Diamox.

Camera, Film & Binoculars (optional)- The speed of the film used will depend on the trip. For snow or bright conditions, 100 or 50-asa works well, but 200 asa is what we end up using most. Film can be purchased in most places, so start with 10 rolls and purchase more if you run low. Remember to carry any film in an x-ray protection bag, which can be purchased at any camera shop.

Books, IPod, Journal, Cards, etc- On all treks there will be time to read, listen to music, and reflect on your day.  One of the highlights of many treks is spending time getting to know our Nepalese staff with a game of cards. (OPTIONAL)

Travel Specific Books- If Birding you should carry a Birding book specific to the Birds found in the country traveling. You should also bring a book specific to the region, country, or trek you’re participating in. If traveling in Nepal these can be purchased there.

Trekking Poles– Poles can reduce downhill pounding on your knees by 30%, and good for balance on stream crossings.

Passport- Should be good for at least 6 months after your return date for home and should have at least 4 empty pages. Also you should carry at least 2 photocopies of your passport. You can use a photocopy of your passport in Kathmandu to change T.C. and for ID while on the trip. A photocopy of your passport does not replace having to bring your actual passport on the trip.

Passport Photos– 4 photos you’ll need one to get your visa if traveling to Nepal without a Nepalese Visa and it seems that someone always needs one for something.

Special Race Gear
The clothing you bring to wear during the run will be separate from this list, but you must still keep your bag under the 30 lb limit. Many of you will be wondering how warm to dress or what is appropriate with consideration to the culture.  Most any type of short or tights will be acceptable to the local people because they understand this is a running event and they expect something will be different. Only you know what clothing you prefer to wear during a long run like this. As you might expect the start of this race will be cold and warming up by the time you reach Namche. Some combinations I’ve seen worn are, hat, glasses, neck scarf, long sleeve shirt, shorts with long tights underneath, light weight vest, fanny pack with water bottle holders and trail running shoes.

There will be stations along the way to check your health and give supplies, but you should bring along some Nepalese money to purchase bottled water between health stations if needed.
 

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Please contact Eastern Mountain Sports with any questions!

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