BENI: In mountaineering history, Annapurna I, standing at 8,091 meters, was climbed before Mount Everest, earning it recognition as the first conquered 8,000-meter peak.

French mountaineer Maurice Herzog summited Annapurna I on June 3, 1950, via the northern base camp in Myagdi, marking a milestone that drew global attention to mountaineering and the Annapurna region.

The success of Annapurna I’s ascent paved the way for future Himalayan expeditions, including the Everest summit by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary in 1953.

Trekking tourism in the region expanded further after renowned trekker Eric Shipton visited Annapurna Base Camp in 1966.

To celebrate the mountain’s legacy, the Annapurna Century Tourism Committee has organized the Annapurna Marathon annually since 2018.

The marathon begins at Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters and covers 42.195 kilometers to Ghandruk. While trekkers usually complete the route in three days, elite runners finish it in just over four hours.

According to committee officials, this year’s sixth edition will be held on June 3 to mark the 76th anniversary of the first ascent.

So far, 40 runners, including 13 international participants, have registered. Argentine runner Pablo Ureta is also set to compete.

Organizers say the event promotes the global prestige of Annapurna I and contributes to tourism in Gandaki Province, home to major Himalayan ranges including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu.