British ultrarunner Dr Elizabeth Hawker, who had set a world record in 2007 after completing a trail, running from the Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu in 3 days, 2 hours and 36 minutes, is in Kathmandu to do it once again two weeks later.
Lizzy said she is expecting to start the run on November 12. “If weather and health conditions help me, I´ll start the race on November 12 and I hope to set a new record,” said Lizzy during a press conference on Monday.
Lizzy has named the trail race as ´Lizzy´s Sky Dance´. “This race is to promote trail running in Nepal,” she said. “Trail running is not considered as sports here in Nepal but Nepal has huge scope and potential on it. My race is to make people aware that Nepal is an incredible destination for trail running,” she added.
Lizzy will participate in the Everest Sky Race before starting her individual run from the Everest Base Camp. The Everest Sky Race is an altitude trail race from Dolakha to Khumbu region and will be held next week.
“Nepali ultrarunner Sudip Kulung Rai completed the 25th Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon in Malaysia in the fourth position last week and this shows the potential of Nepali ultrarunners,” said Roger Henke, director of Summit Hotel in Lalitpur and one of the helping hands in Lizzy´s Sky Dance. “With all these things in background, Lizzy wants to promote ultrarunning and ultra runners in Nepal,” he added.
Nepal Amateur Athletics Association (NAAA) recognized by National Sports Council is lending moral support to Lizzy´s Sky Dance and planning to organize a program at the Dasharath Stadium at the conclusion of Lizzy´s run. “Trail running could be a new sector for tourism. We are yet to market this but we can do it,” said NAAA President Nilendra Shrestha. “Nepali ultrarunners are doing well at international events and we want to establish trail running as a sport here,” he added.
Lizzy, scientist by profession, had claimed bronze and gold medals for Britain in individual and women´s team event in 2010 IAU (International Association of Ultrarunners) 100 km World Championships.
Source: Republica
