The Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race has been describe as the 'most beautiful' and the 'toughest' marathon in the world. The Runners Times magazine ran an article on the marathon. Their opening line was: "There are lots of good reasons not to do the Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race. The first three are that it’s really, really, really hard."
Race Day 1 - October 18, 2011 (Tuesday)
SANDAKPHU 24 miles
Race Day 1 - October 18, 2011 (Tuesday)
SANDAKPHU 24 miles
Depart at 0530 for the 1 1/2 hour drive to Maneybhanyjang (6600 ft) for the start of the Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race at 07:30. After a Tibetan ceremony blessing all participants, runners proceed 24 miles to Sandakphu (11815 ft). Expect trail running conditions over a cobblestone surface. The course starts steeply, then goes gradually down and rolling for a few miles before turning up again to Sandakphu.
Race Day 2 - October 19, 2011 (Wednesday)
SANDAKPHU 20 miles
Many people are up about 5:00 am for the panoramic sunrise views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. These four mountains are the highest in the world, except for K2 (located in Pakistan). Sandakphu National Park is the only place in the world where 4 of the 5 highest mountains can be seen at one time. An early start at 6:30 am means there is more time to see the views before mid-morning clouds may roll in. This is an out and back day. We follow a well marked jeep track through Sandakphu National Park.
SANDAKPHU 20 miles
Many people are up about 5:00 am for the panoramic sunrise views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. These four mountains are the highest in the world, except for K2 (located in Pakistan). Sandakphu National Park is the only place in the world where 4 of the 5 highest mountains can be seen at one time. An early start at 6:30 am means there is more time to see the views before mid-morning clouds may roll in. This is an out and back day. We follow a well marked jeep track through Sandakphu National Park.
Race Day 3 - October 20, 2011 (Thursday)
RIMBIK 26.4 miles
Running starts at 06:30. Runners retrace the previous days' 10 miles to Molle, continue 4 miles to Phulet (11380 ft) where they turn around and return 4 miles to Molle before turning down hill toward Rimbik. As the trail drops 4,000 feet, the treeless ridge line is replaced by dense tropical vegetation and beautiful flowers. As you enter the upper parts of the hill village of Siri Khola, the trail becomes a maze of paths zig zaging down to the bridge crossing the big river. Smiling villagers wave greetings as you pass. With no roads, they see few foreigners passing this way. After crossing the river, the trail becomes more populated with the houses of farmers, until reaching Rimbik (6350 ft).
RIMBIK 26.4 miles
Running starts at 06:30. Runners retrace the previous days' 10 miles to Molle, continue 4 miles to Phulet (11380 ft) where they turn around and return 4 miles to Molle before turning down hill toward Rimbik. As the trail drops 4,000 feet, the treeless ridge line is replaced by dense tropical vegetation and beautiful flowers. As you enter the upper parts of the hill village of Siri Khola, the trail becomes a maze of paths zig zaging down to the bridge crossing the big river. Smiling villagers wave greetings as you pass. With no roads, they see few foreigners passing this way. After crossing the river, the trail becomes more populated with the houses of farmers, until reaching Rimbik (6350 ft).
Race Day 4 - October 21, 2011 (Friday)
PALMAJUA 13 miles
The hill village of Rimbik is located at the end of a rough, but paved road. There is very little traffic on the road so this day will favor road runners more than trail runners. The starting time is 9:00 am. Initially, there is a big downhill to 4975 feet, then flat above the river, until starting a climb which takes us to Palmajua at 6560 feet. Temperatures are in the 70 degree range during the day. Runners return by bus to Rimbik for lunch and relax or explore the area on their own or with guides. Walkers can do a day walk to visit Siri Khola, a small monastery, and other sights nearby. Local villagers will perform traditional Nepalese and Tibetan folk dances in the evening. As the last night before reaching civilization in Mirik, there is a festive atmosphere.
Race Day 5- October 22, 2011 (Saturday)
MANEYBHANJANG MIRIK 17 miles
Breakfast is available starting at 5:30. At 6:30 am runners will return to Palmajua by bus to start where they finished the previous day. Normally, slower runners start at 7:00 am while faster runners have a choice of starting at 8:00 am. After the start, runners continue uphill through lush vegetation and large pine trees. After cresting the hill, the scenery is beautiful along a gradual downhill road to the finish of the Stage Race in Maneybhanjang (6600 ft). In the evening the Awards Ceremony will take place.
www.himalayan.com
PALMAJUA 13 miles
The hill village of Rimbik is located at the end of a rough, but paved road. There is very little traffic on the road so this day will favor road runners more than trail runners. The starting time is 9:00 am. Initially, there is a big downhill to 4975 feet, then flat above the river, until starting a climb which takes us to Palmajua at 6560 feet. Temperatures are in the 70 degree range during the day. Runners return by bus to Rimbik for lunch and relax or explore the area on their own or with guides. Walkers can do a day walk to visit Siri Khola, a small monastery, and other sights nearby. Local villagers will perform traditional Nepalese and Tibetan folk dances in the evening. As the last night before reaching civilization in Mirik, there is a festive atmosphere.
Race Day 5- October 22, 2011 (Saturday)
MANEYBHANJANG MIRIK 17 miles
Breakfast is available starting at 5:30. At 6:30 am runners will return to Palmajua by bus to start where they finished the previous day. Normally, slower runners start at 7:00 am while faster runners have a choice of starting at 8:00 am. After the start, runners continue uphill through lush vegetation and large pine trees. After cresting the hill, the scenery is beautiful along a gradual downhill road to the finish of the Stage Race in Maneybhanjang (6600 ft). In the evening the Awards Ceremony will take place.
www.himalayan.com
