Kanchenjunga Ultra-Marathon, Trail Running - Nepal

 
ultra-marathon Nepal Kanchenjunga
  Trip code: marathonrace
  Clssic Race challenge: € 1,650
  Non-runners & V.I.P option : see below information
  Grade: 3 : Arduous
  Dates : 26 february - 05 March 2011
  Maximum altitude: 3,794m - Distance : 50km / 31Miles
 
Kanchenjunga Ultra-Marathon - Trail Running Race - Nepal
 

 

Trip details
Destination :
Kanchenjunga Region - Far East Nepal
 
Grade : 3 : Arduous
1 : Easy | 2 : Moderate | 3 : Arduous | 4 : Strenuous | 5 : Very arduous
 
Cost per pers :
> Classic Race Challenge : € 1,650 euro
 
> Non-runners : € 1,450 euro (based on classic trail service ; to upgrade the service, please choose the V.I.P option)
 
> V.I.P service : € 2,250 euro (4* hotel & sightseeing tour of Kathmandu included - for runners & non-runners - further details on below information)
 
Dates :
- 26 February - 05 March 2011
 
Recommended previous experience :
From Ultra-trail, triathlon, half-marathon or similar running trips
 
Further info :
 
Extra service (with supplement) :
- Ayurveda massage & relaxation on non V.I.P option
 
 
Mt. Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world at the Nepal and Sikkim border. The route is remote, unspoiled and offers one of the most majestic views of the surrounding peaks.

The running race is designed for those who love extreme sport challenges. The Ultra-Marathon trail competition starts from Phunlin Bazaar (alt. 1,824 m.) follows the Limbu cultural trail up to Pathibhara (alt. 3,794 m.) and turns back to the start point covering 50kms distance.
 
Ultra-Marathon Itinerary Options
 

> Classic Race Challenge

 
This running trail adventure offers the best service possible at low cost. You take a 30mn flight to Biratnagar for an overnight in local Hotel. The next morning, fly to Taplejung - 25mn. Enjoy an incredible sight of magnificient Kanchenjunga peak.  
 

> V.I.P service

This itinerary is a top-notch service and includes :
- 4* Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (Shanker hotel, Yak & Yeti, Annapurna ... or similar)
- City tour of the historical and cultural places in Kathmandu with a guide
- Ayurveda relaxation massage in Kathmandu (1 session)
 
 
Important info : There is also an Helicopter air flight that can be booked from Kathmandu. The Heli trip is an extra service at the client's discretion and not included in the price. The service depends on Helicopter availability. Booking an helicopter flight is the sole client's responsability.
 
 
Ultra-Marathon 2011 Challenge
 

> CLASSIC RACE CHALLENGE

 
- 26 February 2011 : Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport. Transfers to Hotel. Welcome briefing. O/N Hotel
- 27 February 2011 : Day 02: Fly Kathmandu – Biratnagar. O/N in Hotel.
- 28 February 2011 : Day 03: Fly Taplejung (alt. 2,200m). O/N in Guesthouse
--- Acclimatization days ---
- 01 March 2011 : Day 04: Acclimatization day with hike to local villages and Medical check up.  
--- Trail Marathon Race ---
- 02 March 2011 : Day 05: Marathon Day
- 03 March 2011 : Day 06: Rest day.
--- Back to Kathmandu ---
- 04 March 2011 : Day 07: Fly back to Biratnagar and Kathmandu. Celebration dinner & prizes. O/N Hotel.
- 05 March 2011 : Day 08: International departure
 
 
Race options

 
ULTRA-MARATHON

The Kanchenjunga Ultra-Marathon is an extreme running race. Participants must be extremely fit as environment, altitude and weather conditions can affect endurance and performance. Determination, stamina and mental strength are required as the marathon is a very physical challenge.

 
HALF MARATHON

To bring the best of the event, we have also designed a Half-Marathon trail running race. Whatever your running ability, participants have the opportunity to challenge themselves on the half distance for an incredible holiday experience.

 
NON RUNNERS

Family, friends, colleagues are more than welcome to join this incredible event. Non runners can take part in acclimatisation treks, cultural encounters and local village discovery.  When back to Kathmandu, join the party with all running members to enjoy a festive moment. 
 
 
Acclimatization & Health condition
 
The Ultra-Marathon remains an unforgettable running experience. The race is considered by mountain runners as the ultimate challenge. Particpants endure the harsh weather, altitude sickness and a long run on rough terrain. The Ultra-Marathon Race is a very demanding trail running challenge in extreme conditions.

The Half Marathon
is an unique race open to all runners in good physical condition. It is offering outstanding mountain scenery across fantastic trail running terrain. The difficulty remains in altitude and Acute Mountain Sickness. We recommend that you stay fit months before the race. Walking, climbing, running, cycling or/and swimming several times a week few months before the running race is recommended to be in an excellent physical condition.
 
The race is designed to allow enough days of rest to adapt your body to the lack of oxygen. We allow extra time before and after the Ultra-Marathon Race to get fully acclimatized and to recover.
 
To participate, it is imperative that all participants are fit and in good health with no pre-medical conditions. We will require a medical certificate from your doctor to be part of the Kanchenjunga Ultra-Marathon Challenge. You will also have to provide a CV of your last 2 years running race record. Reach Summit shall have the right to refuse participants according to the running or medical history provided.
 
Participants bring their own food and water during the race. We also supply water on every check point.
 
 
 
Safety on the Ultra-Marathon Challenge
 
1 - General safety team & supply

- 1 Doctor for the pre-running check-up at BC
- Base camp manager
- 2 ways walkie talkies
- Check points every 5/8 km supplied with water
- Comprehensive medical kit
- A gamow bag (Altitude chamber)
- Local volonteers alongside Army and Police crew on the way
 
2 - Oxygen
 
The race trails lead you to the altitude of 3,794m altitude in lower oxygen environment than at sea level. We provide Medical Oxygen cylinders with mask (the ones used during climbing expeditions) in Tapleung and numerous Pressured Oxygen bottles available along the route and at Base Camp. 
 
pressured oxygen bottles
Pressured Oxygen Bottle for an easy and immediate Oxygen supply.
 
3 - Water
 
Along the route, there is no flowing water from streams to refill bottles and Camelbak. Then to advoid contamination, we provide mineral water at base camp before the start of the race. Along the route, boiled water will also be provided at every check point.
 
We recommend that you take with you few bottles and a bladder to get enough liquid between check points. You should treat water with Iodine or Micropur pills to make sure that your drinking water is safe.
 
 
 
Race information
 
The sun is rising up above the steaming peaks in the distance. Yellow beams are gently warming up the air. It is not even 5:30am yet and all Marathon fans are already braving the chilly morning for the ultimate challenge. Locals and friends are cheering, holding signs of support and prayer flags. After starting at 6:00am, runners get in a fantastic challenge where endurance and mountain ruggedness are combined to offer an amazing sportive moment of joy in awe-inspiring remote lands.  
 
ultra-marathon Kanchenjunga nepal
 Runners head to the top of the Pathibara Mountain at 3,794m altitude and complete the 50K by running down the ridge back to Taplejung (left side).


The Marathon race is usually completed in 4 hours or so by the fastest. The finish line will close at 4:00pm on the race day where enjoyment and sportive challenge are the only goal. The race remains a safe physical challenge designed to provide maximum enjoyment to all.

Along the way, Police and Army officers secure the route assited by volonteers and fans. A medical check point is set every 5/8 kilometers to provide medical assistance or emergency support along the way. Water points provide enough liquid to the participants. We believe each runner has to take his own camelbag filled with water to get sufficient liquid to prevent dehydration on the race.

The Kanchenjunga Ultra-Marathon is a 50km mountain race and a truly spectacular challenge. The trail is a good track, but will be bumpy, dusty, rocky and the running track is uneven surface. Although we do our best to stick to that distance, landslide, rock avalanches or any other acts of God may urge the team to adapt the trail to the altitude terrain.
 
 
Ultra-Marathon prizes
 
After the trail race, all participants will receive a free 2011 Kanchenjunga Trail Running Marathon t-shirt and other amazing and goodies to bring back home !  

 
Accommodation
 
We take care of all accommodations during your Marathon, hotels in Kathmandu as well as Guesthouse in Kanchenjunga Region.
 
In Kanchenjunga Region, we provide tented camp and always stay focused on providing the most suitable service.
 
All hotels and guesthouse rooms are on double or triple sharing basis. We can also provide a single room at affordable price, please ask.
 

> RACE CHALLENGE

In Kathmandu, we provide some of the best Hotel in Thamel. You will be in Marshyangdi or Thamel Hotel or similar. Those hotels are renowned for their hospitality, comfort and their ideal situation in the touristic center of town. Internet service is also available (with extra charge).
 

> V.I.P OPTION

In Kathmandu you will be in 4 Star Deluxe Hotel at the Yak & Yeti or Shanker Hotel or similar. Those hotels are renowned for their high degree of comfort and their ideal situation in the centre of town. Internet service is also available (with extra charge).

 

 
Visa & permits
 
We arrange all necessary Kanchenjunga running permits with the Nepal Authorities. It is important you send us a copy of the identity page of your passeport upon booking to issue the documents. Bring 2 ID photos with you and your passeport.
 
 
 
Eco-friendly behaviour
 
REACH SUMMIT feels very concerned about environmental matters. Kanchenjunga region also suffers from the impacts of climate change and the ecosytem remains fragile.
 
During the Ultra-Marathon, although villages crossed are supplied with electricity and running water, those places remain remote and hard to access. Always make sure you bring you litter with you and do not through anything in nature. 
 
The team will organise collect points for your litter where you could leave your garbage. Do not leave any gear on the trail and always bring back your belongings. 
 
  
 
What does the trip include
 

Price Includes

 
- Welcome at the airport in Kathmandu.
- Airport - Hotel transfers
- Hotel in Kathmandu, double occupancy, B&B basis. (4* hotel on V.I.P option - Standard Hotel on non-V.I.P option)
- Tents and all camping facilities in Kanchenjunga region, sharing tents.
- 1/2 day guided visit of Kathmandu (V.I.P option).
- Running Permit fee.
- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Entry fee.
- All necessary arrangements for the Marathon Race.
- 3 meals a day as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
- Necessary local crew.
- Comprehensive medical kit.
- 4L Medical oxygen cylinder.
- Oxygen pressured bottles.
- 1 Doctor.
- Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC).
- T-shirt.
 

Price does not include

- International flight to / from Kathmandu with applicable airport taxes.
- Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu.
- Personal clothing, equipment and gear for trekking and running *
- Travel / Personal / Rescue / Medical insurance including Helicopter rescue.
- Emergency Rescue evacuation and all expenses when return back early.
- All personal expenses (laundry, telephone calls, internet ...).
- All drinks including bar bills & mineral water.
- Departures taxes in Kathmandu.
- Visit or activities not included in your itinerary.
- Personal water supply.
- Tips.
- Visa.
 
Book this trip