Everest Marathon

The Everest Marathon, the world's highest marathon, was started in 1985 by Jan Turner and Tony Hunt on a trek to and from Everest Base Camp. Jan Turner pioneered the course in 12 hours without aid stations and a full back pack. On their return to Namche Bazar they set up an impromptu half marathon. On return to the UK Jan Turner advertised for competitors and got a trekking agent to organise logistics. After the Daily Telegraph condemned the idea and warned people would die the race took off and was held in full in November 1987. Since then there have been various versions of the event but the Hilary Tenzing Everest Marathon is the highest and closest to the original concept.

References

* http://www.everestmarathon.com/
* http://www.everestmarathon.org/
* http://www.everestmarathon.org.uk/
* http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/athletics/7134063.stm