Day 1 #ETR2017

The Everest Trail Race started today at the stroke of 0900 in the small Nepalese town of Jiri.

Low mist but a relatively mild night afforded everyone a comfortable night’s rest. A local group of musicians, as per usual providing a local soundtrack to the start of the first day. It was one full of anticipation and nerves,

Stage-1 for the ETR doesn’t reach the high mountains or break the tree line, but ha almost 200m of vertical gain and loss in just over 20km.

Luis Alberto Hernando set the early pace but was soon joined by fellow Nepalese, Suman Kulung. The two seemed to work together throughout the stage but Sondre Amdahl, as expected but up a battle. Luis Alberto stretched the elastic though and pulled away from the Nepalese runner finishing in an incredible 2:17:41 – a course record for day 1. Suman held a good pace despite the chase from the Norwegian and they crossed 2:19:56 and 2:21:20 respectively.

For the ladies’ race, Brit Rebecca Ferry was leading the race but unfortunately took a wrong turn and lost all the time she had gained, it was a real frustration for as she was running so strong – she eventually finished out of the top-3. Pre-race favourite, Ester Alves from Portugal took over the front of the race and took a convincing win in 3:22:22 ahead of Neplaese runner Chhechee Sherpa in 3:33:05. Elisabet Barnes, also took a wrong turn but re-traced and got back on route to finish 3^rd in 3:36:25.

It’s only day-1 and a very tough stage lies ahead tomorrow with some tough climbing to the highest point of the race. The top-3 runners in both the ladies and men’s fields are only separated by 30-miutes so a tough day of running lies ahead.