Annapurna Marathon will take place on Annapurna Day
- Wednesday May 24, 2023
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On June 3, 1950, a French citizen named Maurice Herzog led a team that successfully climbed the summit of Annapurna Himal (8,091m) for the first time in history. This achievement marked the first successful ascent of an 8,000-meter peak, making Annapurna Himal the highest peak reached by humans at that time, just three years before Mount Everest was conquered.
The day when the first human reached the summit of Annapurna Himal is commemorated as the “Annapurna Marathon and Century Tourism Festival.” The Annapurna Century Tourism Committee has organized the Annapurna Marathon and Tourism Festival, which takes place from Jeth 17 to 20 (June 02 and 03) in Ghandrung Village of Annapurna Rural Municipality, coinciding with the third edition of the Annapurna Marathon.
The Annapurna Marathon and Festival, which starts from the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), passes through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Bagar, Deurali, Kimrong Khola, and ultimately reaches Ghandruk Village, is organized by the event coordinator Lalit Gurung. Although the first edition of the tourism festival was held in 2074 (Nepali calendar), the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted its continuity. However, Lalit Gurung has informed us that preparations for the third edition are underway.
We have organized two editions of the Annapurna Marathon on Annapurna Climbing Day. The COVID-19 pandemic has halted the event for a few years,” he said. “But now we are committed to its continuity. We believe that this will contribute to the revival of the tourism sector and help alleviate the crisis seen in the tourism industry.
The male winner of the marathon will receive a cash prize of NPR 1,50,000 (Approx USD 1150). The second and third-place finishers will receive NPR 1,00,000 (Approx USD 770) and NPR 75,000 (Approx USD 575). In the women’s category, the winner will be awarded NPR 75,000 (Approx USD 575), while the second and third-place finishers will receive NPR 50,000 (Approx USD 385) and NPR 25,000 (Approx USD 190), respectively.
In the festival, along with the marathon, there will also be village-level volleyball and basketball competitions organized. The winners and runners-up of the volleyball and basketball competitions will receive cash prizes of NPR 80,000 (Approx USD 615) and NPR 50,000 (Approx USD 385), respectively.
Various other events will occur during the festival, including distributing the Annapurna Journalism Award, horse riding, blindfolded race, archery, cultural exhibitions showcasing Gurung traditions and culture, and more.
