Kaipara eventers set on Everest Marathon

For Kaipara multi-sport eventers Shelley Gosse and Ross Friedrich the dream of competing in the Everest Marathon is about to come true in a few months.
While the idea of running 42 kilometres on rough, steep terrain at high altitude might not be everyone's idea of fun and adventure, for the partners it is a major goal they set themselves about seven years ago.
Even the fittest among us may balk at the idea of subjecting our bodies to what is considered to be one of the most gruelling races in the world, where word has it that runners must stay on the inside of the yak trains to avoid falling off the path to an almost certain death.
The Everest Marathon is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest marathon in the world. The start line is at Gorak Shep (5184 metres above sea level) close to Everest Base Camp in Nepal and the finish basically down hill at the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar (3446 metres). It is the world's most spectacular race and has been held eleven times (every two years) since 1987.
To acclimatise naturally to the high altitude all runners join together for a 25-day holiday in Nepal. This holiday combines sightseeing in the capital, Kathmandu, a 16-day trek to the start under medical supervision, ascents of Gokyo Ri (5483m) and Kala Pattar (5623m).
Both are experienced runners having competed in numerous Coast to Coast and Ironman events and multi-sport/adventure races over the last 12 years. Mr Friedrich has run the length New Zealand and competed internationally. They see the Everest marathon as a personal challenge. They fit their training around normal work routines; Ms Gosse is the principal of the small rural school at Tangowahine and Mr Friedrich a farmer on the coast at Baylys Beach.
"For me facing, something that I am not sure how I will manage, is what challenges me," said Ms Gosse.
"I have never run at altitude at this level there is 50 percent less oxygen than at sea level, temperature differences of between 15-40 and the burden of carrying our own pack of essential provisions including sleeping gear, clothing and food. There is a real risk of altitude sickness." said Ms Gosse.
Although the course is basically down hill, there are two steep uphill sections. There may be snow and ice on the upper part and there is considerable exposure along much of the route.
The race is a non-profit-making venture with all profits put into the Everest Marathon Fund, a British registered charity. So far this has raised over 401,000 to support health and educational projects in rural Nepal.
The runners themselves have raised most of the money and many divide the amount raised, with 50 percent to the Everest Marathon Fund and 50 percent to a charity in their home country. In this way the race has also raised large sums of money for a wide range of good causes around the world.
The pair are among 65 runners already accepted to compete. Only 14 of these runners are from New Zealand. The race schedule begins on November 16 with the final day December 5.