Our Everest Marathon challenge
“It’s billed as the highest and hardest marathon in the world. The terrain is extreme..... There isn’t a level ten feet in the whole country so you’re either going straight up or straight down.“ Brent Thomson 2011 finisher
Getting zapped by 10,000 volts at Tough Mudder 2015
Firstly, we need to make clear that all expenses associated with this challenge were paid for by us, that's the flights, the trek to Everest and the marathon. Every penny donated went to our chosen charities.
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The Everest Marathon is the world's highest; starting at 5,362 m (17,490 ft) at Mount Everest base camp, and covering 42.2 km or 26.2 miles to finish in the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar, at 3,540 m (11,600 ft). The route winds down the Khumbu valley with a large amount of elevation gain and loss (2,804 m or 9,210 ft down and 1,007 m or 3,304 ft up). They weren't kidding when they said it was tough.
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Christine and I finished the marathon, the story of which is covered in our blog posts. We had the privilege to spend 3 weeks with some great people from the UK and New Zealand who were part of our KE Travel Group. Most importantly, by the end of 2017 we hit our fundraising target of £3,800 (including gift aid). Many thanks to our wonderful supporters.
Mike's pre-Everest events
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Cambridge 1/2 Marathon
Silverstone 1/2 Marathon
Oakley 20 miler
London marathon
Star Wars 1/2 Marathon
Christine's pre-Everest events
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6 hr running challenge
Cambridge 1/2 Marathon
Silverstone 1/2 Marathon
Brighton Marathon
Milton Keynes Marathon
Star Wars 1/2 Marathon
Our running experience prior to the Everest Marathon
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We've both been running for 10 years, this initially involved half marathons of which we have amassed over 40 each. Christine was the first to run a marathon, London marathon 2011, and has run a total of nine. She's also completed two ultra marathons including the 67 mile St Oswalds Ultra.
In addition to half marathons, Mike has completed two marathons, and one ultra marathon (50 km).
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We have both trekked extensively in Nepal and between us climbed several so called trekking peaks above 6,000 m, albeit a good few years ago.
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Our running records
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Christine: 48 x 1/2 marathons (incl. 11 consecutive Great North Runs)
10 x marathons (incl. three London Marathons)
2 Ultramarathons (50 km Portsmouth Ultra, 67 mile St Oswalds Ultra)
2 Tough Mudders (2015 & 2016)
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Mike: 42 x 1/2 marathons (incl. 10 consecutive Great North Runs)
2 x marathons
1 Ultramarathon (Somme Centenary Challenge 50 km)
2 Tough Mudders (2015 & 2016)
The trekking route to Everest from Lukla. The marathon route runs from Base Camp to Namche Bazar
