Suman Kulung has won the Royal Penguin Ultra Marathon in snow-covered trails of the world’s highest land Mount Everest in Solukhumbu district on Wednesday. Kulung left behind 22 other participants to complete the 60 km circuit in 7 hours and 7 minutes.

Runners from Russia, Singapore, Canada, Lebanon, Germany, Slovania, the United States and Australia participated in the annual event that was launched by a Canadian tourism enthusiast Elka in 2014 in coordination with Nepal-based Royal Penguin Boutique Hotel & Spa, Aria Boutique Hotel & Spa and Jurassic Resort & Villas. There were altogether 13 foreigners participating in the marathon.

Twenty-five year-old Kulung of Gudel, Solukhumbu who is a porter and guide by profession bagged a cash prize of Rs50,000 for standing first in the Royal Penguin race which is regarded as one of the most challenging ones for the altitude and extreme weather conditions. Kulung had earlier participated in various mountain marathons and had remained third in 2014 and 2016 Everest Marathon.

“It’s an incredible marathon and it’s just a great atmosphere,” Kulung said.

Likewise, Purnima Khaling Rai, a native of Jubling, Solukhumbu was announced winner under women category for completing the race along the sloppy snowy path in 9 hours and 19 minutes.

“I used to prepare home-made wine and transport it to Lukla from Jubling. That gave me courage to participate in the event,” she said. Rai was the winner of 42-km Everest Marathon held in May this year.

Kulung’s closest competitors Pemba Sherpa of Taksindo, Solu and Santosh Rai of Jubling, Solu completed their marathon in 7 hrs 23 minutes and 7 hrs 48 minutes respectively and won Rs25,000 and Rs15,000. Sherpa was the winner of 2014 Royal Penguin Ultra Marathon. He beat his own previous record of 7 hours 24 minutes.

“It was a good experience,” shared Peter Klauz of Australia. “Running through the world’s highest mountain was the best ultra marathon of my life.”

The race began from Namche Bazaar located at 3,440 metres—famously known as gateway to Everest—at 3am Wednesday.  

From starting point in Namche Bazaar, the runners went uphill towards the highest point of the Marathon route—Renjo La situated at 5,340 metres—passing through the intermediated points like Dole (4200m) and Gokyo (4790m) along the spectacular scenery of natural landscapes. From Renjo La, the runners were required to descend through Marlung (4260m) and Thame (3800m) to finally reach Namche Bazar to complete the 60 km circuit.

Many runners were left gasping for breath along the rocky mountain paths as the oxygen level is very low in the highlands. Despite many odds, all except two runners completed their marathon that would have ordinarily taken five days for a normal person.

“During the trek, one will observe dizzying experience unless you acclimatise to the altitude. Altitude sickness is normal and one needs to know their limit,” said Mingma Yangi Sherpa—a member of the race organising committee.

This was the second edition of Royal Penguin Ultra Marathon which first began in 2014. In subsequent year, it failed to commence due to disastrous earthquake. It is expected that the success of the marathon this year comes as a respite to tourism industry, especially in the Everest region. Tourist entrepreneurs see the event as a sign of recovery of tourism as the event has spread positive message to the world that Everest is not a dangerous place.