A Marathon in Tibet

Was quite surprised to find this Marathon tonight when I was looking for information for my main web site:

http://www.great-tibetan-marathon.com/

General information

Thank you for your interest in the Great Tibetan Marathon 2007. We welcome you to explore this amazing race, set in one of the worlds highest mountain ranges, amidst a landscape of unparalleled beauty, history and unique culture.

The Great Tibetan Marathon 2007
Set in the Trans-Himalayan backdrop of staggering proportions, this marathon offers an exceptional running experience. Located within the political boundaries of India, Ladakh - the western most province on the Tibetan Plateau is also the only place other than Bhutan that has Buddhism as a living religion.

Running the distance of your choice at an average altitude of 3600mts (11,800 ft.), the Great Tibetan Marathon is undoubtedly a challenge of a lifetime. Forbes magazine selected the Great Tibetan Marathon as one of the “World’s 10 most Extreme Marathons” (Link).

There will be 4 running categories as follows:

1. Full Marathon
2. Half Marathon
3. 10 km
4. 5 km

To help you acclimatize fully and to avoid any serious altitude related sicknesses during the race, there is a mandatory 5 day period you will be required to be at an altitude of 3500mts or higher before you are able to run the distance of your choice. All our packages on offer confirm to this norm.

The Marathon program itself is 3 consecutive days, with the actual marathon taking place on the 21st of July.

On 19th July 2007, or at the earliest your 5th day of stay in Leh, we’ll be going for a Hike up to a monastery just outside Leh. Upon reaching the top, our team of health professionals will test you for your bodies Oxygen retention capacity. This is to give you and idea of how well you have adapted to the thin oxygen level of this Tibetan Highland.

The morning after the Hike, we’ll be organizing a 3km breakfast run. This will help you gauge your fitness level, and give you a taste of the challenge the next morning.

On the morning of 21st July 2007, the Great Tibetan Marathon begins to the sound of several meter long Buddhist horns from the courtyard of Hemis Monastery (3800mts). Hemis is the head monastery of Ladakh Region, and prior to the race the Chief Lama (priest) of the monastery will bless all the participants.
Running across the spectacular views the Indus valley offers, the track is set at the foot of the Stok Kangri Range (6100mts). Through out the track there will be several water and medical stops. Also, Ambulances will be constantly going up and down the track to take care of any emergencies. The track itself varies between tarmac, gravel, wooden bridges, village streets and overall a good firm track. It finishes at the foot of Spituk Monastery with a Buddhist celebration. At the finish, there will be a large medical tent with a team of doctors and nurses should you need any medical attention. Also at hand will be a team of masseurs for your service.

The Marathon day ends with a Gala Dinner in a large marquee tent setup specially for the purpose at the banks of the river Indus. The theme ? 1001 Tibetan Nights!

Participation
We would like to offer everyone the chance to come and experience the Great Tibetan Marathon, but unfortunately given the limited infrastructure in such a remote place as Leh, Ladakh; we are at present only able to offer 250 places.
These are available on a first come first serve basis.

Also, we require that your personal doctor/physician considers you fit enough to run the distance of your choice at this high and Altitude. We also recommend that you have finished at least one previous race in the category you choose to participate at the Great Tibetan Marathon.

Definitely one to put on the Wish list in future years!