KATHMANDU, MAY 16
Seasoned runner Roland Hunter has set a new record for the fastest known time (FKT) from Lukla to Everest Base Camp.
Hunter, fresh off completing the Manjushree Trail Race, a challenging 100-mile race around the Kathmandu Valley, and acclimatizing in Lukla in March, embarked on this ambitious endeavor.
"I was inspired by Kirra Balmanno's project in May 2023 of running from Lukla to Everest Base Camp," Hunter revealed. "My motivation for this run was a personal curiosity and to also enjoy the time moving fast in the mountains. I knew the Fastest Known Time (FKT) was 11 hours and 1 minute. I thought going faster was possible but that would only be the icing on the cake," Hunter later said in his social media post.
Having decided, Hunter departed from Lukla at 4:21 am on May 13, amidst pouring rain. He encountered various challenges along the way, including inclement weather and delays caused by a line of horses crossing the Hillary Bridge.
Despite these obstacles, Hunter reached Namche Bazaar in just three hours. "The trail was a bit slippery (chiplo bhato), but living in Dartmoor National Park, I am accustomed to rain and mud, so I felt at home," he commented.
Hunter also received invaluable support from Ang Chhutin, who provided aid akin to an official race station at Pheriche. "Ang Chhutin is a runner too and won the Everest marathon in 2014."
He arrived at Everest Base Camp at 2:44 pm, setting a new FKT in the process by completing the journey in an astonishing time of 10 hours and 23 minutes.
Upon his return to Lukla, Hunter received a warm welcome from Mingma Sherpa, Chairman of Pasang Lamu Rural Municipality, and Ang Phurba, an elected local government member.
