Last updated: 01-Sep-16
Nepali Gurung Bhim from Nepal and Catalan Anna Comet, are the men’s and women’s champions for the 5th edition of the Everest Trail Race which is held in the Solokhumbu region of Nepal.
The Everest Trail Race is one of the hardest mountain races in the planet. It is also one of the most beautiful. It is divided into stages of roughly 22, 28, 30, 31, 20 and 22 km respectively, the daily difference in altitude goes from a heart-pounding 3,000 meters up to 5,950. There is a staggering 25,000 m range of altitude during the race. En route expect breath-taking views of not only one, but also several of the world’s tallest mountains, Everest, Lhotse, AmaDablam, Tamseku, Kangtega, Makalu and Kanchenjunga.
This year’s race follows the devastating earthquakes that racked the country and the organisers and participants have been working hard with the local communities so that they can gain the maximum benefit possible for the race.
28 runners completed the race this year.
The overall standings were:
Women:
1. Anna Comet, Spain, 25hrs 44 min
2. Joanna Rhoda Meek, UK, 27hrs 20 min
3. Julia Bottger, Germany, 28 hrs 42 min
Men:
1. Gurung Bhim, Nepal, 20hrs 24 min
2. Roger Viñas, Spain, 22hrs 54 min
3. Joan Soler, Spain, 24hrs 31 min
Anna Comet also came fourth overall in the race.
Just after the race, we spoke to Jo Meek, about the race and her great performance which won her second place. We asked her about the hard bits, the best bits and getting to the podium.
“The hardest bit for me was coping with the technical descents because I know I lost time on them in racing terms. The competitive streak in me coming through! The best bit was the view of Everest after the ascent on day 5. It made it all worthwhile- totally spectacular. The group camaraderie was superb and the organisation of the race was faultless. Coming second in this race, to a fantastic Spanish mountain runner, was a great accomplishment for me. Me being a runner who prefers the more runnable stuff. I persevered, though, and so am delighted with 2nd. “
The race organization is already working for its 6th edition to be held from 6 to 18 November 2016.
Registration is open and the intention is to increase the number of national and international participants.
