We awoke from a very cold and rocky nights sleep!
The traveling Yaks started passing by early in the morning.
Gradually the sun started warming the air and as the fog dispersed the surrounding mountains came into view!
Pretty soon we were getting hot!
One of the race photographers, Jeevan, holding the Peace Torch.
Sweta was thrilled to pose with the former winner of the Everest Ultra...
Particularly since they have the same shoes!
Our new friend and great race photographer, Anuj, was eager to help us find a way to affix our Peace Mountain plaque.
We found a spot for a temporary placement next to the iconic rock at the entrance to Base Camp.
Mount Everest actually became a Sri Chinmoy Peace mountain in August 2000, but a plaque was never placed at the time, so we were very happy to be able to begin the process. Due to a lack of tools we could only secure it with glue and rocks, but luckily one of our incredible guides, Karma Sherpa, will be coming back to Base Camp in a couple of weeks and will facilitate a more secure installation.
Our team with some of our new friends who helped install the plaque and humbly but significantly inaugurate Mt Everest to join the large family of over 1000 significant landmarks around the world that are dedicated to Peace.
Special thanks to Umesh Manandhar, a veteran runner from the Nepalese Athlete Association, and Bibhusan Bista who came to run the marathon.
Our new friend Tate from the US has been in the mountains for several months writing a story and doing the ground work for a new book about the Nepalese mountain trails and runners. He ended up being the first foreigner to finish the marathon- congratulations Tate!
We went for a walk towards the beginning of the famous Khumbu Ice Fall, where the climbers begin their ascent from Base Camp, so thrilling to see!
The scenery is so spectacular!
Many of the rocks are sitting on melting lumps of ice, a reminder that we were in fact on a glacier!
Next it was time for the "Mock Race".
This is where we will officially start the marathon from tomorrow!
We were extremely grateful to have the opportunity to introduce the Peace Run to all the gathered athletes. Special thanks to our dear friend, Tej B Gurung, pictured in the orange jacket, who was the Chief guest of Honor to inaugurate the mock race. He welcomed the Peace Run with great dignity and oneness.
It was our great honor that our Peace Torch was lit simultaneously with another Peace Torch, which was carried aloft to Everest Basecamp from Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, via the sacred temples of Boudhanath and Swoyambhu in Kathmandu.
The two Peace Torches together led the runners in the mock race, and afterwards many runners had the opportunity to hold the torch and share their wishes for peace.
Many of the runners were happy to hold our torch and share their wishes for peace!
Inside the food tent at Base Camp! It was boiling hot during the day and freezing in the evening, but the food was incredibly good- all gratitude to the chefs, sherpas, and porters who carried the food so far for all of us! What a unique experience!
We enjoyed the opportunity to meet some of the runners from around the world, many of whom had their own great aspirations and dreams to share with us on this incredible adventure-journey.
The sun slowly went down for our second night in this breathtakingly beautiful mountainous wonderland.
All gratitude for this unique and deeply humbling experience.
