OEM Race Regulations

Experience

The Everest Marathon is only suitable for runners with off-road running experience..

Age limits

Some people are mature enough to be able to manage the rigours and responsibility of trekking to high altitude when they are young and some are still going well long after the age of 70. So there are no definite age limits, just a guideline of  between 20 and 70 years. Please get in touch if you're younger or older and feel capable of completing the trek and marathon safely.  

Getting there and back

The OEM takes 23 days,  starting and finishing in Kathmandu. 

On the first day in Kathmandu there is a pre-trek medical by an OEM doctor. It's important that you share any medical that have developed since registration.

Disclaimer

All participants need to sign a disclaimer certifying that they are participating at their own risk.

Acclimatisation

Every runner must pass a medical examination at Lobuche before continuing to the start at Gorak Shep. If any competitors haven't acclimatised by this point, they will be able to join the marathon from a lower altitude and run a shorter course. 

Medical withdrawal

Our Health team may withdraw any runner from the trek or marathon if  they feel that continuing will endanger the runner or anyone else. We will give runners help and encouragement to continue but a doctors decision is final. 

Cut-off points

• Tengboche – 14 miles: 12.30 pm
• Chorkhung – 20 miles: 2.30 pm

Runners must reach the cut-off points by these times and must be in a fit condition to leave after a further 15 minutes, or withdraw from the race.

Kit requirements

All runners must wear or carry the following kit:

• long sleeved thermal top and
• full length running tights 
• additional warm top- fleece,  light down or synthetic jacket
• waterproof (taped seams) jacket with hood and trousers
• hat - that keeps out cold and wind
• buff - supplied
• gloves or mittens 
• whistle
• emergency bivvy bag (supplied)
• head torch with new batteries
• food - energy bars / dried fruit / chocolate of your choice
• Running sack or vest capable of approximately 20 litres

The spirit of the event

The nature of the terrain and the altitude means that should anyone have an accident or become ill during the marathon, it's potentially very serious. There will always be a doctor, team leader and medical porter behind the slowest runner and marshals will be at each control point to take care of anything that happens.

We still ask that everyone signs up to taking repsonsibility to provide appropriate assistance to any other runner, should it be needed.

If this happens and as a result you lose time in the marathon, we will be able to a make an adjustment for this. The decision of the Race Director will be final.