Longer Distance

The Annapurna is changing to a longer race that is nearer to the original idea. It started as a run from Pokhara to Poon Hill and back before morphing into an incredible trail run. Wishing to accommodate a surge in interest in longer distance events and to reduce the carbon footprint of the race itself, we have decided to make the Annapurna 100 a hundred mile race from Pokhara to Poon Hill and back. This time we will run on the other side of the lake past the Peace Pagoda and on to Bhadaure, Kande, Birethanti, Ghorepani and Poon Hill and back again.

Organisation

The event has had several variations in format over the last 30 years and some amazing Race Directors, Richard Bull created a world class event with Ramesh Bhattachan for many successful years.

We are welcoming a new Race Director who will be Jack Turner, the son of the original inventor of the event. Ramesh Bhattachan and Jan Turner will be his technical advisors to help him create his vision of a new one hundred mile event.

Pledge

All money and funds associated with this event will enter the Nepali economy.

We intend to make a positive contribution to the people in the region and Nepali runners and tourism in general. We wish to promote sustainable responsible tourism for the benifit of Nepal.

Request

Please help promote this event through your contacts, blogs and posts on the internet to help cut down our advertising budget.

We have a links page to promote any business that promotes us with a link on their website.

Concept

The idea was the brainchild of Jan Turner. But was only made possible by the orginisational prowess of Ramesh Bhattachan

It was concieved purely with the intention of developing trail running in Nepal and to support Nepali runners and tourism. At the time there were no other trail running races in Nepal, with the possible exception of the Everest Marathon, another creation of Jan Turner.

Gratitude

The difficulty of organising and promoting this event cannot be overstated. This event would have disappeared many years ago if it wasnt for the persistence of Ramesh Bhattachan and Richard Bull who turned it into a world recognised event.

Covid took its toll on the event, but it is now back, ready for the next 30 years.

Safety

We want to provide a challenging event but most of all we want it to be safe. Familiarisation with the course id the best way to ensure your safety. Failing that, it is important to pay special attention to the minimum kit list. With kit drops it is possible to make provision to pick up certain items such as head torches, at the appropriate time. That also relies on people staying on schedule and that must be a consideration.

Although the lower part of the course is accessable by road, the more challenging part of the course from Birethanti to Ghorepani is not. This part of the race is inhabited and the local residents will be aware of the event. Should anyone have a problem in this section they will need to make sure they have appropriate clothing and provisions to survive until we can reach them. It is difficult to get lost in this section of the race.

Checkpoints

The checkpoints should ensure that everyone is accounted for, which is why it is mandatory for all participants to ceck in at them.

Essential

• Water bottle(s) or bladder carrying minimum 1 litre.
• Windproof and/or waterproof jacket
• Trousers/tights covering below the knee
• Fleece long-sleeved top
• Emergency blanket
• Buff or hat
• Whistle
• Head torch (+ spare batteries)
• Rs 2,000/- cash in small change
• 400 calories of food – energy bars/gels or other energy-rich food (e.g. dried fruit & nuts)

>

Additionally

• Sun Screen
• Second Layer Jacket for when you stop.
• Small Medical Kit
• Rehydration Salts or Sachets
• Mobile Phone with Local Sim Card.

This section will expand as we persuade more people to come aboard.

Events such as these rely on many volunteers and staff who all in their own way make it a success.

Some of the most important players sometimes do not get the credit they deserve.

Participants

Of course, without participants we would not have an event. We will be putting up results at the end of the events in recognition of their achievements.

Background

From a young age Jack has witnessed the setting up events such as the Annapurna 100 and the Everest Ultra. After many trips to Nepal whilst growing up he eventually married a Nepali lady and settled in Pokhara.

He has been very active helping the develop the villages surrounding Pokhara and has set up a network that gets foreign nationals to volunteer in rural Nepal helping with the schools, farms and medical posts.

He is fluent in Nepali and with his knowledge of the local area and culture, is a natural successor to take on directorship of the race.

Role

Jack is responsible for the overall organisation and logistics of the event.

Background

Ramesh helped pioneer this event with Ian Botham and it is fair to say that the event would not have happened without him.

Ramesh was instrumental in the success of the Annapurna Triathlon, Nepal's first triathlon, the Everest Ultra, and many other sporting events not related to running.

He served as a Gurkha in the Brigade of Gurkhas of the British Army from 1974 to 1992 retiring with an Exemplary Service Record.

Role

With his vast experience of event organisation in Nepal, Ramesh's knowledge is invaluable and his guidance priceless in the smooth running of the event. He will act as chief advisor and executive producer.

Background

Jan is an Artist who first came to Nepal to paint in 1980. Jan was responsible created the Everest Marathon with Tony Hunt in 1985, Nepal's first internation race. He then went on to create the Annapurna Triathlon, Nepal's first international triathlon, where he teamed up with Ramesh Bhattachan. He helped set up the Kathmandu Marathon with Ajay and Sam Simha before turning his mind to the Annapurna 100, where he persuaded Ian Botham to come and pioneer the event. After that became a success, thanks to the efforts of Ramesh and Richard Bull, he created the Everest Ultra with Ramesh.

When Jan started the Everest Marathon there were no ultra races in Nepal, now ultra running is an industry in its own right.

Role

Co-ordinating the media promotion of the event and attracting sponsorship as well as being the executive producer of the filming, photography and public relations.

Entry to the race is limited to 100 individuals and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Bearing in mind the advanced planning that people need to undertake to compete in an event like this, the fee is non-refundable. If however due to unforseen difficulties you can not compete after paying your entry fee, we are prepared to defer your entry to the following year.
If the event is cancelled or postponed, your entry fee will be fully refunded.

The Entry Fee covers the cost of the event and does not cover your trekking permits, visas or your personal insurance.

Liability

We will use all our experience to make this race safe and a memorable event. It must be understood that all participants enter at their own risk and should insure themselves against medical treatment in the unlikely event that they should need it. It is not an issue we have ever encountered but that does not give you a guarantee.

In the first instance, please email at the address given at the "Contact" section with your enquiries or intention to participate. Places will only be allocated once we are satisfied you are able to compete safely and your place will only be confirmed on receipt of your payment.

With our partners in Nepal we can arrange all aspects of your itinery in Nepal to suit your individual requirements. It is not a prerequisite that you book through them or a condition of entry.

We do this through Travel Nepali

Feel free to contact them directly.

Links

Travel Nepali

Nepali Cooking Courses

Art School Nepal

Everest 100 mile Race