On the first day of rest at the Namche Bazaar on Sunday participants were taken hiking to Syangboche airport. The participant also gained experience a high altitude marathon as they hiked down from Khumjung valley to Namche.[break]
Gerd Schauf, a participant from Germany, said he loves to trek and participate in marathons. “I had earlier participated in the marathons in the mountains of Switzerland but the race in the Everest will be different. In Switzerland, the race starts from lower to higher altitude but the race in Everest is quite the opposite."
Noel Harding, 42, from England said he is all prepared for the race. Harding has been a regular participant of triathlon. "I had participated in many triathlons but the Everest marathon is different."
Victoria Woodsford from Britain had earlier participated in two ultra marathons and three city marathons. The ultra marathon that Woodsford had participated was a 50 mile race which she had finished in 10 hours. Woodsford has also participated in the two London marathons. Woodsford claims that she will become the first British lady to finish the race. "High altitude is the main problem of this race but I am fit."
Winner of the last year´s half-marathon Raju Sidhu from Indian Air Force has planned to run full marathon this year. He added that he is more confident now after scaling the scaling the Mount Everest last year. "I have no plans for the race but I know the condition and will try to finish first."
Sekhar Gyathri also from Indian Air Force had finished second in the half-marathon.
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