Suzette ’ s Century
TRAIL
Coming back into Pisang , we continued on the dirt road for a short distance opposite Pisang , until a course marshal directed us off the dirt road again to follow a path into the village . When we entered the village itself , with the finishing line almost in view , we were directed onto a 2.5km loop around the village , to make up the required distance of 42.2km , but soon the path led us back to the finishing straight , complete with welcoming banners and a huge round of cheers and applause from the assembled crowd that had gathered at the finish . Our crew had prepared a finish table with a difference , offering a variety of traditional local snacks and drinks .
Thom was first over the line in five hours 15 minutes , while Suzette and James finished together in 6:15 . James was the star of the day , keeping Suzette ’ s spirits high , and passing the time on the route together . After Larry and I had finished , the afternoon was spent sharing a few beers with the crew , and swapping ‘ war stories .’ Fortunately , no injuries and no-one became lost , but it had been a hard effort at that altitude , including ascending over 1000m and descending 1500m , with a highest point of just under 4000m . Now it was time to toast the run , and for Suzette to savour achieving her goal . It was an emotional occasion , as she digested her accomplishment of finishing 100 marathons , in many different countries , with the support of her family and friends . It had been an incredibly long journey of nearly 20 years , and a splendid achievement !
Now for Some Climbing …
We did not have long to celebrate , as we were scheduled to depart early the following day for our climb of Pisang Peak . Briefly , our climb was not successful . Our itinerary was too short to enable us
The McIvors toast Suzette ’ s achievement with some local beer
to rest and to properly acclimatise to the additional nearly 3000 metres over a shortened timetable . We had an incredible ascent to our top camp at 5200m , with incredible views of the Annapurna range , and looking down into the valley , we could see a long section of our marathon route . We did make an effort to reach the summit , setting off at 11 o ’ clock in the evening , but turned back after a few hours . Our chosen route was slightly more technical than anticipated , it was bitterly cold , and we were not sufficiently acclimated . And for the record , we saw no evidence of Yeti footprints on the snow slopes above base camp !
Although we were disappointed at not making the summit , the main aim was for Suzette to complete her 100th marathon , and as such , it was a trip to remember , and cherish , for a long time . We took away many treasured memories , including feeling the graciousness and serenity of the locals , who made us feel so very humble , and at the same time enriched our experience of different cultures and peoples around the world .
About the Author
Scott McIvor originally hails from Scotland and is now retired and living in South Africa . He is an accomplished mountain climber , having successfully completed the Seven Summits challenge in 2002 ( climbing the highest peak on each of the seven continents ). In 1993 , he became the 506th person to summit Everest . He is also an accomplished runner , and has completed more than 270 marathons and ultras in 37 countries , with a marathon best of 2:47:41 . In 2015 , he participated in the inaugural Triple Seven Challenge , attempting to run seven marathons on seven continents in seven days , but adverse weather conditions flying into Antarctica from the mainland prevented the achievement of the overall objective .
Scott and Suzette after the race
We returned to Kathmandu , our bodies and legs very tired after our marathon and climbing efforts , and although we were able to catch up on some rest , we were also eagerly anticipating the luxuries of more favoured accommodation and such in Kathmandu . Whereas it ’ s always a privilege to be in the high mountains ’ environment for a short while , the everyday pleasures that we often take for granted are keenly awaited . An official post-race celebration was organised by our hosts , and Apollo noted the success of the event , and promised to schedule a second event in October 2024 , having learnt several lessons from the experiences of this initial marathon . Long live the Yeti !
Suzette ’ s Century
Suzette McIvor ’ s amazing running CV includes the following achievements .
66 road marathons 4 trail marathons 17 road ultras 13 trail ultras Total : 100
• Marathons in 24 different countries .
• Marathon PB : 3:00:46 .
• Two Oceans Marathon PB : 4:21:53 .
• Comrades Marathon PB : 7:55:22 .
• Women ’ s Course Record at Dead Sea 50km in Jordan : 3:29
• Women ’ s Course Record at Inca Trail 46km in Peru : 5:35
• Women ’ s winner of several road marathons in Middle East , including Luxor ( Egypt ) on five occasions , Jeddah and Riyadh ( both Saudi Arabia ), and second at Paphos ( Cyprus ).
• Running 6 marathons on 6 continents in 6 days in 2015 .
• Longest trail race : Kintyre Way ( Scotland ) & Tankwa Challenge ( SA ) – both 106 / 107km .
Suzette and James during their Pisang Peak climbing expedition
Suzette McIvor , 100 marathon and counting …
Images : Scott McIvor
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