Manx Fell Runners

Tom Cringle is traveling to Nepal next week to take on what is probably the ultimate challenge in athletics, the Everest Marathon.

Regarded as the highest and most grueling marathon in the world the race has been held just eleven times since 1987 and will have the maximum entry permitted when it gets underway on December 5th.

Before the race Tom will have to take part in a 16 day acclimatisation course that will include a trek taking in ascents of Gokyo Ri (5483mtrs) and Kala Pattar (5623). After all this he will still have to pass a medical examination before he is allowed to start.

If Tom manages to get through all of this he will start the marathon at Gorak Shep which at 5184mtrs (thats 17,000ft in old money) is just below Everest base camp. The finish is at the Sherpa town Namche Bazarr at a mere 3446mtrs but in between will be a tremendously tough course that has two very steep climbs and very rough terrain that could well include snow and ice.

Tom will be using the race to raise money for charity. Half of monies raised will go to the Everest Marathon Fund which helps people in rural Nepal and the remainder will go to the Isle of Man Cancer Association. Any contributions from members of Manx Fell Runners will, I’m sure, be appreciated.

All the very best of luck to Tom for taking on such a difficult challenge. Hopefully he will be able to pass on his experiences when he arrives back on the Island in time for the last hill race.

Just a thought, but has an MFR vest ever taken part in a race further away from the Island?

Filed under: MFR News