Runners are taking part in the highest marathon in the world on Oct. 5 in the foothills of Mount Qomolongma. (Xinhua)
KHARTMANDU, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Runners have been taking part in the highest marathon in the world in the foothills of Mount Qomolongma, four months after it was postponed because of Nepal's devastating earthquakes.
The annual event is usually held in May to mark the anniversary of the first conquest of Qomolongma by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary on 29 May 1953.
More than 50 athletes ran in Monday's race from several countries.
Organizers said that the race showed Nepal was once again safe for tourists.
The devastating earthquakes in April and May this year killed nearly 9,000 Nepalis.
Eighteen climbers died on the slopes of Everest because of an avalanche triggered by the quake.
Head organizser Bikram Pandey told the "Run for Tourism Revival" showed that destinations in Nepal such as the Qomolongma region are now ready and open for travellers.
The trail, known as the Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon, starts at Base Camp - nearly 5,500m (18.050ft) above sea level where oxygen levels are low.
It is considered to be one of the world's toughest and most exciting trail runs.
