Everest Marathon Trek Overview
Do you want to combine the trek of a lifetime with the ultimate endurance challenge? The Everest Marathon Trek pairs our classic Everest Base Camp route with the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon, the highest marathon on Earth. Held every year in the last week of May, this race starts at 5,364 meters beside the Khumbu Icefall and drops through Sherpa villages, pine forests, and high suspension bridges to finish at Namche Bazaar. Officially recognized by the Government of Nepal, the race was named in honor of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary, whose historic 1953 ascent of Mount Everest is celebrated on 29 May every year, the traditional race day.
Runners can choose between two official categories: the 42km Full Marathon starting from Everest Base Camp near the Khumbu Icefall, and the punishing 70km Extreme Ultra Marathon (UTME) for the most experienced mountain athletes. Whichever distance you choose, our 16-day itinerary is built around the same trusted acclimatization schedule we use on our standard Everest Base Camp Trek, with two additional nights of camping at Base Camp itself so you arrive at the start line properly rested, acclimatized, and ready to race.
The journey begins with a scenic mountain flight into Lukla, followed by the same time-tested trekking route used by thousands of EBC trekkers each year, through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche, with two dedicated acclimatization days along the way. Once you reach Everest Base Camp, you will spend a full rest day for a marathon briefing, a short mock race, and a mandatory medical check-up by our accompanying doctor, exactly as required by official race organizers. Race day itself follows a dramatic route down the Khumbu Glacier moraine, through Gorakshep, Lobuche, Dingboche, Pangboche, and Tengboche, finishing with a final climb into Namche Bazaar.
Green Valley Nepal Treks and Research Hub is proud to offer this Everest Marathon Trek Package for runners and trekkers from the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, and around the world. The race itself draws participants from over 40 countries each year, and the current course records stand at 3 hours 28 minutes 27 seconds for the fastest Nepali finisher and 4 hours 24 minutes 2 seconds for the fastest international finisher. Booking is now open for the 2027 and 2028 Everest Marathon. Based on your fitness level, running category, and schedule, we are happy to customize this itinerary to meet your requirements. For questions about the Everest Marathon Trek cost, race registration, or training advice, please don't hesitate to contact us.
What You Can Expect From the Everest Marathon Trek Package?
- You will experience the full classic Everest Base Camp trekking route, including Sagarmatha National Park, the Khumbu Glacier, and the towering peaks of Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Pumori.
- You will camp for two nights at Everest Base Camp itself, alongside expedition teams preparing for their own summit attempts.
- You will take part in an internationally recognized mountain race with official timing, marshals, checkpoints, and medical support.
- You will receive a pre-race medical screening from an accompanying doctor to confirm you are fit to run at altitude.
- You will finish your race in Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital, with a finisher's medal and certificate of achievement.
- You will get to know the Sherpa, Tamang, and Rai communities of the Khumbu, whose hospitality defines this trek.
Is the Everest Marathon Trek Suitable for You?
- This trip is ideal for experienced trail runners, ultra-runners, and fit trekkers looking for the ultimate high-altitude endurance challenge.
- Runners must be at least 18 years old and are required to submit a medical certificate confirming fitness for high-altitude activity, along with valid travel insurance.
- If you have already completed the Everest Base Camp Trek or another Himalayan trek and want a bigger physical and mental test, this is the natural next step.
- Non-runners are welcome to join purely as trekkers; you will follow the same route to Base Camp and can meet the runners at the finish line in Namche.
- Because the race takes place above 3,400m for its entire distance, prior experience trekking or exercising at altitude is strongly recommended.
- This is a physically demanding trip: expect daily treks of 4 to 8 hours before the race, followed by a single race day covering up to 42km on rough mountain trail.
How to Get Prepared for the Everest Marathon Trek?
Preparing for the Everest Marathon Trek means training for two distinct challenges: multi-day trekking at altitude and a mountain trail race on rough, high-altitude terrain. In the months before departure, build your cardiovascular base with regular running, hiking, and hill training, ideally including back-to-back long training days that mimic consecutive trekking days. Practice running on uneven, rocky trails rather than only on roads, since the marathon route crosses moraine, stone steps, and yak trails rather than pavement.
Strength and endurance training should be paired with altitude preparation. Even strong runners can be slowed dramatically above 4,000m, so it is essential to respect the acclimatization schedule built into this itinerary rather than trying to rush ahead of the group. If possible, gain some experience trekking or running above 3,000m before you arrive in Nepal. Mental preparation matters just as much as physical fitness; race day involves 4 to 10 hours of effort at extreme altitude, and a calm, patient mindset is often the deciding factor between finishing strong and struggling.
Remember that registration for the official Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon requires a medical fitness certificate and proof of travel insurance well before departure, so begin gathering these documents early. Our team can advise on the exact requirements and deadlines for the current race season.
