The third iteration of 64-km Royal Penguin Ultra Marathon concluded in the snow-covered trails of Solukhumbu on October 5.

 Local guide Suman Kulung of Gudel won the 64 km route in the Everest region in seven hours and 30 minutes bagging a purse of Rs100,000. Kulung was also the winner of Royal Penguin Ultra Marathon in 2016.

Likewise, Lakpa Sherpa became second completing the race in 8 hours and 22 minutes while Kiran Kulung became third completing the race in 9 hours and 17 minutes. They were awarded the cash prize of Rs 50,000 and 25,000 respectively.

Likewise, Purnima Rai, a native of Jubling, Solukhumbu was announced winner under women category for completing the race along the sloppy snowy path in 10 hours and 42 minutes. She was felicitated with a cash prize of Rs 25,000.

A participant runs through Gokyo Lake in Royal Penguin Ultra Marathon - 64 km.

The marathon begins from Namche Bazaar, a Sherpa village located at 3440m and famously known as 'gateway to the Everest'. 

The marathon route attains the maximum elevation of 5340m at the Renjo Pass with Dole (4200m) and Gokyo (4790m) as its main intermediate points. Likewise, the participants returned back to Namche via same route.

Many runners were left gasping for breath along the rocky mountain paths as the oxygen level is very low in the highlands, said Mingma Yanji Sherpa, one of the members of Royal Penguins.

Runners from Nepal, US, Germany, Lebanon, Latvia, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, Russia, Malaysia, Finland and Netherland had participated in the event.

Participants of the race pose for a group photo on Oct 4