Annapurna 100

Sponsorship

Thanks to Lee Sattin and Setyres (the leading tyre and auto service supplier in the South of England) we are now able to put our drink stations and medical crew in place for this event and to support the Nepalese runners to pioneer the new course.

In the present uncertainty in the world it is very gratifying to see western businesses making a contribution to developing nations when governments are failing to act.

Raniban Arcade

We are very pleased to accept the support of the Raniban Arcade in letting us host our event at their hotel where the race will start and finish.

There will be a race briefing at the Hotel on November 7th at 3:00pm.

Jack Dai

Jack Dai the renowned Englishman who vlogs in Nepali will head our media team and will make us known through YouTube and Social Media throughout Nepal and beyond.

Jack has become renowned for going into the villages and shrines where the tourists don't usually go, shedding light on the tru Nepal and bringing his hilarious exploits to the world in fluent Nepali.

Change of Course

Due to safety concerns on the previous planned course where runners would be expected to navigate a difficult section of mountain in the dark, on the return we have switched to a safer route via Sarankot. Please refer to the Course section in the menu above or scroll down.

This event was first pioneered in 1995 with world renowned cricketeer Ian (Beefy) Botham, now Lord Botham.

The idea may have been the brainchild of Jan Turner, but it was only made possible by the organisational prowess of Ramesh Bhattachan.

It was conceived purely with the intention of developing trail running in Nepal and to support Nepali runners and tourism.

At the time there were no other trail running races in Nepal, with the possible exception of the Everest Marathon, another creation of Jan Turner.

Gratitude

The difficulty of organising and promoting this event cannot be overstated.

This event would have disappeared many years ago if it wasn't for the persistence of Ramesh Bhattachan and of Richard Bull, who turned it into a world recognised event.

Covid took its toll on the event, but it is now back, ready for the next 30 years.

Legacy and Impact

Annapurna 100 has inspired a generation of Nepali runners and raised global awareness of sustainable sports tourism in Nepal.

Pledges

All money and funds associated with this event will enter the Nepali economy.

This is not a business, nobody gets paid for organising it or makes a profit from the event.

We use any resources gained to support Nepalese runners and the local economy.

Making a positive contribution.

The event is intended to help the people in the region, Nepali runners and tourism in general.

We wish to promote sustainable responsible tourism for the benefit of Nepal.

The winners and placed individuals will get trophies and all finisshers will get a medal and certificate.

In line with our aim to promote Nepali runners we will be giving cash prizes to Nepali runners who finish in the first five places to encourage their participation in the event and to support them as athletes.

Please help promote this event through your contacts, blogs and posts on the internet to help cut down our advertising budget.

We have a links page to promote any business that promotes us with a link to their website.

Encourage Environmental Stewardship

The race emphasizes clean, low-impact events and environmental awareness among runners and supporters.

Checkpoints:

• Start - Lakeside Raniban Arcade
• SP1 - Shiva Mandir
• CP1 - Bhadaure
• CP2 - Chandrakot
• CP3 - Birethati
• CP4 - Banthati
• SP2 - Ghorepani
• CP5 - Poon Hill
• CP6 - Banthati
• CP7 - Birethati
• CP8 - Kande
• CP9 - Sarangkot
• SP3 - Baglung Zero Point
• Finish - Lakeside Raniban Arcade

SP - Support Point for water/banana
CP - Check Point

Elevation Profile

This was very difficult to do on Google Earth.

I hope that one thing we can achieve in this race is a proper race route file and an accurate elevation profile for the following years.

Finish in Pokhara

But think twice before diving into the lake!

Race Director

Jan Turner is an Artist who first came to Nepal to paint in 1980.

Jan was responsible for creating the Everest Marathon with Tony Hunt in 1985, Nepal's first international race.

He then went on to create the Annapurna Triathlon, with John Williams and Jane King. It was Nepal's first international triathlon. He helped set up the Kathmandu Marathon with Ajay and Sam Simha before turning his mind to the Annapurna 100, where he persuaded Ian Botham to come and pioneer the event.

After that became a success, thanks to the efforts of Ramesh and Richard Bull, he created the Everest Ultra with Ramesh.

When Jan started the Everest Marathon there were no ultra races in Nepal, now ultra running is an industry in its own right.

All Jan's efforts have been towards developing Nepalese tourism and Nepali runners. Jan is responsible for the overall organisation and media promotion of the event.

Logistics Manager

Ramesh Bhattachan helped pioneer this event with Ian Botham and it is fair to say that the event would not have happened without him.

Ramesh was instrumental in the success of the Annapurna Triathlon, Nepal's first triathlon, the Everest Ultra, and many other sporting events not related to running.

He served as a Gurkha in the Brigade of Gurkhas of the British Army from 1974 to 1992, retiring with an Exemplary Service Record.

With his vast experience of event organisation in Nepal, Ramesh's knowledge is invaluable and his guidance priceless in the smooth running of the event.

He will act as chief advisor and executive producer.

Community Advocate

Darby Maguire is a 22-year-old ultra runner from Australia with a deep passion for endurance running and social impact.

He completed a self-supported run from the Gold Coast to Sydney, covering 900 km at a rate of 60 km per day. The effort raised $50,000 for mental health support services.

He then broke the course record for Relay for Life, running 100 miles in 24 hours, and has since gone on to organise and run multiple marathons and ultra marathons to help feed people in need on the streets of Sydney.

Darby brings both youthful energy and seasoned endurance to the Annapurna 100, and looks forward to sharing the trail with like-minded runners while continuing his mission of running with purpose.

Medical Team & Volunteers

We will have an ambulance on standby that will have access to the course via the road network that supplies the villages in the area.

Events such as these rely on many volunteers and staff who all in their own way make it a success.

Essential Kit

These items are considered essential for your safety during the race:

• Water bottle(s) or bladder carrying minimum 1 litre
• Windproof and/or waterproof jacket
• Trousers/tights covering below the knee
• Fleece long-sleeved top
• Emergency blanket
• Buff or hat
• Whistle
• Head torch (+ spare batteries)
• Rs 2,000/- cash in small change
• 400 calories of food – energy bars/gels or other energy-rich food (e.g., dried fruit & nuts)

Additional Recommended Items

While not mandatory, these items are highly recommended for your comfort and safety:

• Sun Screen
• Second Layer Jacket for when you stop
• Small Medical Kit (plasters, blister treatment, painkillers)
• Rehydration Salts or Sachets
• Mobile Phone with Local Sim Card
• Waterproof bags for electronics and spare clothing
• Lightweight gloves
• Extra pair of socks
• Personal medications

Pioneers

We are looking for experienced runners to pioneer this new course. As this is the inaugural year of this new course, we're offering a special opportunity for trail running enthusiasts.

There is no entry fee for the first year of this new course as this is a pioneering event. We want to reward the adventurous runners who will help us establish this new route.

What to Expect

As a pioneering participant, you'll be part of an exclusive group helping to establish this new course. Here's what you need to know:

While there are no traditional prizes, all pioneers will be permanently recognized on our website and in race history. Your participation will help shape the future of this event.

Note: This is a challenging, self-supported event. Participants should have previous experience with ultra-distance trail running.