A well recognized and the most adventurous sports event "Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon-2010" has begun on the foothills of Mt. Qomolangma Base Camp in the south side of Nepal.

The Qomolangma Marathon listed in the Guinness Book of World Records is the high altitude marathon that makes it more adventurous and toughest one. "We are happy to note that Tenzing- Hillary Everest Marathon is getting popular every year bearing its past legacy the most challenging and world's highest marathon in the world," said Bikrum Pandey, President of marathon organizing committee.

Being first of its kind this high altitude marathon is always organized on the very day of "International Everest Day" May 29. The marathon is being organized annually as a tribute to Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Late Sir Edmund Hillary-the first persons to summit Mt. Qomolangma in May 29, 1953.

According to the organizers, 137 enthusiastic runners including 37 international participants are running in the marathon with sound mind and body. Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon is being organized under the aegis of Adventure Sports Tourism Society which is an umbrella organization for all adventure sports activities being held in Nepal.

The start line of the marathon is Gorak Shep (5,184 meters above sea level), close to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. The finish line is at the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar (3,446 meters) and the course is measured 42 km (26.2 miles) over rough mountain trails fulfilling the Olympic standard.

However, organizers have not set time limit to finish the marathon. "We have not set the time limit. It depends on runners by how long they will finish it, " Pandey told Xinhua on Saturday morning.

According to him, it will take several hours to complete the whole marathon but winner may make it within one hour.

Since the introduction of the competition, home runners have been keeping to win the title. "Obviously, it will be tough for foreign runners to beat local runners," Pandey said.

Last year Phurba Tamang, from Nepal, won the title with completing the course by 3 hours 40 minutes and 47 seconds. Similarly, Shyam Kesho from India bagged the Foreigner category, completing the course by 5 hours 37 minutes and 25 seconds.

Winners are announced in three major categories- General Category, Ladies Category and Foreigner Category. The 1st winner of General Category will be awarded with 1000 U.S. dollars, whereas the 1st winner of Female Category and Foreign Category will be awarded with 500 U.S. dollars for each.