20 May 2024
Tags: Everest Base Camp, everest base camp trek, everest, Mount Everest, Everest Region, Nepal, nepal trekking, Trekking In Nepal, Trailrunning, Running
Kathmandu, Nepal: Our Managing Director, Roland Hunter, has achieved the Fastest Known Time (FKT) for running from Lukla to Everest Base Camp (EBC) in Nepal. It took him 10 hours and 23 minutes so taking significant time off the previous FKT of 11 hours and 1 minute.
Before the run, Roland had spent two weeks trekking in the Everest region on a visit to inspect the teahouse lodges used by our groups. After his trek, he had a few days before meeting one of our trekking groups in Kathmandu. The inspiration came from Kirra Balmanno's project in May 2023 of running from Lukla to Everest Base Camp. Roland was acclimatised and felt fit from his recent 100-mile Manjushree Trail Race around the Kathmandu Valley. Given it would be unlikely to get this opportunity again he decided to go for it!
Roland's motivation for this run was out of personal curiosity and to enjoy the experience of moving fast in the mountains. That being said, he knew the previous Fastest Known Time (FKT) was 11 hours and 1 minute and thought going faster was possible but that would only be the icing on the cake!
At 4.21 am on May 13th, he left Lukla in the pouring rain. He arrived at Namche Bazaar 3 hours later despite delays such as waiting for a long line of horses to cross the Hillary Bridge. The trail was slippery and muddy although these conditions are normal where he lives in Dartmoor National Park (UK).
After Namche Bazaar he pushed on and did not look at his watch again. He had a wonderful surprise at Pheriche. Ang Chhutin Sherpa, the owner of Altitude Cafe in Pheriche, kindly organised an aid station like an Ultra event with food, water, and coffee. Ang Chhutin is a runner too and won the Everest marathon in 2014. She heard about the run via the Khumbu grapevine. Many thanks to her!
Roland ran past the teahouse lodges at Lobuche and Gorakshep to arrive at EBC at 2.44pm. It took him 10 hours and 23 minutes from Lukla. He was delighted to get the new Fastest Known Time (FKT). On returning to Lukla, he was greeted by Mingma Sherpa Chairman of Pasang Lamu Rural Municipality (known as the Mayor of Lukla), and Ang Phurba an elected member of the local government. It was an honour when Mingma gave Roland a Kata scarf to congratulate him on this achievement.
We would like to thank our Sherpa friends in the Khumbu who supported me along the way. Thanks also to friends and family who sent encouraging messages before and during the run.
Roland's FKT has attracted Press Coverage in Nepal as follows:
Himalayan Times on 16/05/2024L Roland Hunter achieves new 'Fastest Known Time' from Lukla to Everest Base Camp
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Media: Roland Hunter | Managing Director| 01647433880 | roland@the mountaincompany.co.uk
About The Mountain Company
The Mountain Company is an award-winning team of holiday experts to the Himalayas and Karakoram. We organise treks, expeditions, and tours in Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, and India (Ladakh and Sikkim). Our passion is for exploring very remote regions including sections of The Great Himalaya Trail.
Winners of AITO's Tour Operator of the Year in both 2018 (Gold) and 2015 (Bronze). We are members of AITO, ABTOT and hold an ATOL license.
We have offices both in the UK and in Nepal so during peak season we offer unique on-the-ground support from Kathmandu.
Founded in 2004 and still managed today by Roland Hunter FRGS. Roland has led groups on most of our trips throughout the Himalayas and the Karakoram. He has also summited Mount Everest (8,848m) and Mount Makalu (8,463m).
Our website is at https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/
