ARCHIVED RACE: Annapurna 50/70/100 Ultra Trail @ Dhampus, Pokhara, Annapurna region, Nepal on 09 March 2013

What?
The Annapurna 100 is destined to be one of the world’s greatest trail running races. There are hills, trails, forests, culture and it is probably the only ultra race where you get a tikka on your forehead at 50 km and a garland of flowers around your neck at the end. It’s Nepal’s original ultra-marathon, it now moved from mid winter to spring to run trails through flowering Rhododendron forests and offers 100% trail courses with stupendous views. There are three ultra-distances to choose from over some very hilly terrain: 50k, 70k and 100k. We probably add a marathon-minus distance for this 8th edition.

Where?
The course heads out of Dhampus, a mountain village close to Pokhara (1650 m), 9 hours drive west of Kathmandu. The views from the Dhampus ridge are spectacular. The three routes combine off the beaten track ridge routes with popular trekking trails and share a highest point of 3680 meters. All three finish in Dhampus, after more or less ups and downs on a combination of technical tracks, well maintained trekking trails and some jeep roads, through forests and many villages. Great competition from local trailrunning elite!

When?
Next edition is 9 March 2013.

Why?
Nepal can make memories of racing over 100 kilometres so good: beautiful scenery, incredible mountains, as well as the warmest welcomes from locals and tourists alike. And once you’re done racing, you can enjoy the many offers of a Himalayan holiday. Trekking: Annapurna base-camp is a close by and an amazing 6-7 day trek and there are many other trails with lodges meaning you can travel light. Those experienced at altitude could run the Annapurna circuit. Culture: Kathmandu valley offers the globe’s highest density of Unesco World heritage sites. Nature: It’s all around you but Chitwan offers an immensity of wildlife and jungle fun. Spiritual: Meditation retreats and fantastic low cost massages come to mind.

Contacts:
http://annapurna100.com