Latest news with #TenzingHillaryEverestMarathon
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Meet the Tamil Nadu woman who conquered the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon twice
At 17,598 feet above sea level, where footings fight for grip and every breath is a struggle, Nausheen Banu Chand from Coimbatore laced up her running shoes for the world's highest marathon. Against all the adversities that assailed her body, a resilient mind guided Nausheen to conquer the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon, not once but twice, being the only woman from Tamil Nadu to claim this rare achievement. The Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon is recognised as one of the world's toughest races, and for good reason. The 42.195 km trail plunges from Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters down to Namche Bazar at 3,440 meters through brutal Himalayan terrain. Nausheen, an Ultra-Distance athlete from Kinathukadavu, conquered this unforgiving course with determination, completing it in approximately 10 hours and 45 minutes, a timeframe that somehow makes the incomprehensible distance feel both real and extraordinary. Nausheen believes that placing faith in God at the heart of one's actions, especially when confronting mental challenges, builds strength. This spiritual foundation aligns with her motto, 'sports for mind,' which drives not only her endurance but her purpose in sport. 'My journey into high-altitude marathoning, a sport mastered by very few, began after graduation alongside my professional career,' says Nausheen. Brought up in Oman, she returned to India for her graduation in Aeronautical Engineering, and eventually her focus shifted to the sport. 'My reason for running is simple: by being a person of performance, persistence, and patience, one can build togetherness, toughness, and tidiness among human beings, making this world a better place for the upcoming generation,' she feels. Her philosophy stems from a societal commitment that sprouted from watching her brother battle with mental health challenges. The hardship took a toll on her family, and Nausheen was determined to understand his condition better. She pursued a Psychology degree and became more resilient in challenging the power of the mind over the body through sport. Ultra-distance sporting and trail running represent niche sports, not only in India but worldwide. Any endurance sport extending beyond the 42.195 km marathon distance, whether foot races, skating, or cycling, is known as ultra-distance sporting, while trail running demands navigation over rugged natural terrains like mountains and forests. Both sports are a testament to endurance and mental toughness in the face of obstacles. Nausheen's journey to Everest began with notable achievements in 2023. In November that year, she earned two Noble World Records for her feats in Ladakh, completing a high-altitude marathon at 18,300 feet and roller skating at 12,500 feet. This earned her the distinction as the first Indian woman to complete a duo-sport feat combining running and skating in the Trans-Himalayas, a recognition that stands as one of her contribution to Indian sports. Building on these records, on May 29, 2024, Nausheen successfully conquered the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon, covering the full 42.195 km distance in 10 hours, 34 minutes, and 24 seconds, becoming the first woman from Tamil Nadu to achieve this milestone. Exactly one year later, on May 29, 2025, she completed the gruelling course for the second time in 10 hours, 44 minutes, and 35 seconds, establishing her status as the only woman from Tamil Nadu to conquer this race twice. The marathon route traverses unforgiving terrain with extreme weather conditions of -15°C to -10°C at 17,600 ft. altitude. At such heights, where oxygen levels drop to nearly half of sea level, every step becomes a battle against physical limitations. Her path to these achievements required significant personal sacrifice. Nausheen mortgaged jewellery, sold assets, and saved every rupee to fund her expeditions. Throughout this challenging journey, her dreams fluttered through the backing of her family, whose support proved crucial to her success. Her first Everest Marathon received additional support from the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu and her alma mater, Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College. For her 2025 expedition, Pricol, where Nausheen works as the lead in athletics and sports initiatives, provided financial backing. Trilog, a mountaineering trainer from the Tamil Nadu Mountaineering Association, Chennai, spent a year equipping her with essential rappelling and jumaring techniques. Nausheen aims to conquer a 70-km ultramarathon on Mount Everest by 2028, the next Summer Olympics year, continuing to push the boundaries of human endurance and mental strength. She concludes, 'Belief might come with the first step, while the relief comes only when we reach the last step.'
Daily Record
08-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Scots man completes world's highest marathon which ends at Everest base camp
With breathing capacity reduced by around 20 percent, Brian and his fellow runners were already physically drained before the race began. A Scots man has completed one of the world's toughest endurance races in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust. Brian Hampton, deputy store manager at Aldi's Aviemore store, completed the 26.2-mile Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon in an impressive eight hours, 55 minutes and five seconds, noting that it was his toughest marathon yet. Known for being the highest marathon on earth, the race starts above 5,000 metres and challenges runners with harsh terrain, altitude sickness and extreme fatigue. Reaching the start line required a two-week trek through the Himalayas, with Brian covering 8 to 10 kilometres daily, as well as two days at base camp to acclimatise to the altitude. With breathing capacity reduced by around 20 percent, Brian and his fellow runners were already physically drained before the race began. Brian said: 'This was by far the hardest marathon I have ever undertaken. From the moment we started the trek, to reaching the start line, every day was a challenge. "The race itself was brutal, with narrow trails, obstacles to navigate like huge boulders and even yaks, and a near-vertical climb towards the end that seemed never-ending. But it was also one of the most amazing experiences of my life. "It was surreal running through the landscape, passing through amazing local villages where children and families came out to cheer us on. "The people I met along the way, from all over the world, were incredible. We supported each other through everything - the altitude, the exhaustion, the bugs. I've made friends for life.' Brian has now completed 31 marathons and 98 half marathons, including the Crystal Mine Marathon earlier this year, held in a salt mine 500 metres underground. His fundraising efforts for Teenage Cancer Trust have now reached almost £4,000, with a total of £14,000 raised for various charities over the years. Despite the exhaustion, and having dropped nearly 10kg during his adventure, Brian could not wait to get back out and is now looking to tick off another couple of half marathons to hit the 100 mark. Brian added: 'I've always enjoyed doing something a bit wild and full on. Taking on the Everest Marathon was top of my list and I'm proud to have completed it while raising money for such a fantastic cause. "Aldi, my colleagues and our customers have been fantastic at supporting me - we had posters and a collection bucket at work, and everyone has been so encouraging, asking how I was getting on with preparations and offering their support.' Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: 'Brian's achievement is nothing short of extraordinary. Taking on the world's highest marathon, after a gruelling trek just to reach the starting line, shows incredible strength, courage and determination. "We are all in awe of what he has accomplished, not only in completing such a demanding challenge but in raising vital funds for Teenage Cancer Trust along the way. "Brian is an inspiration at Aldi Scotland, and we are proud to stand behind him as he continues to take on these amazing adventures for such a worthy cause.' Sarah Smith, Partnership Manager, Teenage Cancer Trust, said: 'We want to say a huge congratulations to Brian on this incredible achievement. Completing the Everest Marathon is no ordinary challenge - it demands resilience, grit and an exceptional mindset to take on such extreme conditions, and we are in awe of what he has accomplished. "We are also so grateful for the dedication and support Brian has shown Teenage Cancer Trust over the years. His fundraising efforts make a genuine difference in helping us provide vital support to young people facing cancer. "We are proud to have Brian as part of our community and wish him all the best for his next adventure.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
