Everest Marathon 2024

Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Everest Marathon 2024: High altitude running at Mount Everest Marathon, the world’s highest Marathon

Every year the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon is held annually on May 29th to mark the celebration of the first successful Everest climb. Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary were the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest back in 1953 on the 29th of May.

The event is held at Mount Everest base camp in the beautiful Sagarmatha National Park and welcomes runners at all levels and from all backgrounds. There are several categories you can participate in including the 21km half marathon, 42km full marathon, and the 60km extreme ultra.

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Your experience at Everest Marathon

Officially the highest marathon in the world, the 42km full marathon starts at the Everest base camp which is 5,356m high. Before the start of the marathon, the competitors climb up to 5,643m to Kala Patthar, a breath-taking viewpoint of Mount Everest where you can also see many other mountains in the Khumbu region.

On race day you begin descending towards Dingboche, the halfway point, then start the loop run at Biber and on to the finish at Namche. Like the half marathon, the 42km run travels down a trekking trail which can be unpredictable depending on conditions.

If you’re a runner with high ambitions this is the marathon for you.

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Everest Marathon 2024 Event Schedule

Half Marathon

The half marathon is the shortest run at 21km and is mostly downhill. That’s not to say it’s easy though, this run is still bold but is a challenge offered to beginners as well as more advanced runners.

It starts from Dingboche which is the halfway marker of the full marathon and finishes at Namche. The route used is a trekking trail so keep that in mind when packing equipment.

The half marathon is a fantastic way to experience the Everest region whilst pushing your limits.

Extreme Ultra

As both the half and full marathons mainly travel downhill, the extreme ultra track will naturally have some uphill running involved. This category is a 60km advanced running route with one of the most resilient uphill running tracks in the world.

The starting point and the finish line is the exact same as the full marathon, however, just past Dingboche, you start to climb towards Nha La and then continue up to Machhermo where you then begin to descend. This particular uphill running route advances from 3904m right up to 4413m.

The extreme ultra route is the most advanced category in the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon event and is a tough challenge for experienced runners.

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Buy tickets

Prices vary depending on the desired activity and any additional add-ons you require. Due to the qualified leaders and the risk factor numbers are limited and you will need to first acquire a medical letter from your doctor stating that you are fit for the marathon.

Filling out a sign-up form is necessary in order to secure a place. Marathon prices start from $999 up to $2700 depending on the amount of time staying and camping or lodging options.

For a higher price, you could include a classic trail, Gokyo valley trek, or an island peak experience.

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Additional costs

After paying for your desired package there will be additional costs along the way which you will need to prepare for. 
Costs not included in the packages are:

• Flight tickets
• Nepalese visa – can be bought upon arrival and is around $40 for 30 days
• Travel medical insurance
• Emergency evacuation
• Funds for tipping – staff, and Sherpas
• Kathmandu meals
• Personal running equipment
• Personal toiletries

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Top Tips

Event Headquarter: Hotel Shanker in Kathmandu is the event headquarters and is where you will need to be for all briefings prior to the marathons.

It’s cold at night: The average weather temperature during May is between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius, however, it can drop overnight to -5 or -10 degrees Celsius so keep that in mind when packing your bags.

Bring medication: Whilst there is a doctor available during the event you need to bring along any prescribed medication along with the basics including paracetamol, anti-diarrhea tablets, antiseptic creams, and aspirin.

Take a camera: One of the most important things to remember is your camera, you will definitely kick yourself if you forget that!

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How to get to there

The airport you will need to fly into is Lukla Airport however it is the most dangerous airport in the world meaning delays are fairly frequent. Due to the way in which the program is designed if you are behind schedule for your arrival by 2 or even 3 days you are still able to catch up.

Luggage is limited to 15kg per person so you will want to pack only the essentials.

Photo Credit: Everest Marathon