Everest trail race Photo: Buddhabir Bahing

Bhim Bahadur Gurung came in first in the Everest Trail Race, continuing a tradition of dominance by Nepali runners at high altitude races in Nepal. Finishing the 178km race in 20 hours, 25 minutes and 53 seconds, Gurung set a new record for the race.

The Nepal Army personnel also recently won the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon.

B.A Rogers from Spain came in second clocking in at 22 hours, 54 minutes, and 24 seconds. Finishing two hours behind and taking the third place was another Spaniard Solare Juan.

In the women’s category Anna Comet from Spain came in first at 24 hours, 44 minutes and 30 seconds. This is the third time Comet has won the Everest Trail Race. Juana Roda from France finished second at 27 hours, 20 mins, 39 seconds. German Julia Boettger came in third finishing in 28 hours, 42 minutes and 44 seconds.

The race organised by Annapurna Treks and Association was flagged off at Jiri and passed through Ramechhap and several places in Solukhumbu before culminating at Lukla Bazar.

First prize winners were awarded a cash prize of Rs 180,000. Second and third place winners received Rs 120,000 and Rs 70,000 respectively. Altogether 29 runners which included only one Nepali participated in the race.

Buddhabir Bahing in Solukhumbu