Himalaya Expedition is set for the 14th edition of the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon, the highest altitude long distance run of the world, on May 29.

The marathon is held annually to commemorate the first successful ascent of Mt Everest by Nepalese climber Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and New Zealander Edmund Hillary in 1953. The marathon begins from Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5364 metres and ends at Namche Bazaar (3446m).

The 14th edition of the marathon will also mark the Britain-Nepal 200-year bilateral relationship. A total of 129 foreign runners have confirmed their participation for the event including 21 British citizens, informed the organisers. America, Australia and China have the second highest number (17) of participants. The organisers are expecting 60 to 70 local participants.

The marathon will feature five categories—60km extreme ultra marathon, open full marathon, full marathon for foreigners and female along with half marathon. While the top three finishers in the ultra marathon and open marathon will pocket cash purse of Rs 100,000, Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000, the podium finishers in the foreigner, female and half marathon category will get Rs 50,000, Rs 35,000 and Rs 25,000.

On the sidelines of the event, Scottish ultra runner Jamie Ross Mackenzie, aged 49, will make a solo attempt to run 320km non-stop from the Base Camp to Kathmandu to raise funds for the Himalayan Trust and its post earthquake rebuilding work in Solukhumbu.

Mackenzie will attempt to break the fastest time of 63 hours and eight minutes held by British runner Lizzy Hawker. The marathon will also witness the first Lumbini to Mount Everest Peace Flame Run.