Phurba Wins Everest Marathon

Phurba Tamang (21) from Lukla has won the seventh edition of the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon on May 29. Phurba, who was the runner-up last year, finished the race in 3hrs. 40 minutes and 46 seconds. Phurba’s elder brother Raj Kumar, finished runner-up with the timing of 4hrs, 7mins and 2 seconds and Sandeep Rai of Solukhumbu finished third in 4 hrs, 9 mins and 48 seconds.

The runners participated in the even despite heavy snowfall in the Everest base camp. The snowfall had almost led to the cancellation of the event. The marathon could take place after snow started melting.

In the women’s category, Mingma Chemji Sherpa stood first with the timing of 5hrs, 5 mins and 31 seconds. Angfuti Sherpa and Migmafuti Sherpa were second and third completing.

Athletes of the Indian Army dominated the foreigner’s category with Shyam Kesho finishing first with the timing of 5hrs, 36 mints and 46 secs. Om Kumar and T Ganapati were second and third respectively. The India athletes had prepared for the marathon at the world’s highest altitude in Sikkim.