Trail

A trail around the Annapurnas is an idea like no other because beyond the race, beyond the competition, it stands out as a unique sporting adventure. Running is easy for most mere mortals but running the Himalayas with only the contents of your backpack and local hospitality to count on is no easy task.
In 1983 two Englishmen, Richard and Adrian Crane took 100 days to do it. In 1994 the Frenchmen Paul-Eric Bonneau and Bruno Poirier managed it in six weeks. On each occasion, these duos completed the Annapurnas circuit: in eight days for the first pair and in six days for the second.
The Annapurna Mandala Trail proposes to do it over 9 days and in the same spirit as the previously mentioned runners. However, as this is a competition, competitors will have the support of a technical team as well as medical assistance. This means that between the beginning and end of each stage, the competitor must find his or her own way, gauge his own pace, manage his own provisions/supplies and transport his own equipment.
Bruno Poirier, the creator of Annapurna Mandala Trail, is also an instigator of Himal Race. " Knight of the Wind " since 1992, today he adds up 8.250 kilometers through Himalaya Népalais, that is to say 284.000 meters of positive uneven and 278.500 meters of negative. At the time of " édition zero " of Annapurna Mandala Trail, he has been classified 5th into 32 h 05’50 (250 km, + 12.250 m and - 11.950 m). In 2005, he finished at the 3th place into 43 h 07’53 (320 km, + 12.500 m and - 15.800 m). For the eighth competition around the Annapurna Himal, he wanted the mountain trail spirit to be reduced to its most simple expression : to run from one point to another with only the contents of a backpack for assistance. This is exactly how it will be for the men and women who take part in The Annapurna Mandala Trail.

Technical Information

Generalities

The Annapurna Mandala Trail 2008 is organized by Base Trek Camp & Expéditions, nepalese trek agency based in Kathmandu, Nepal. The race director race is Nil Gurung. The Annapurna Mandala Trail is opened to men and women over 23 years of age. The competition is in stages and it will be run on footpaths over a distance of 260 km with 12.500m of altitude ascent and 13.870 m of altitude descent. The challenge is divided into eight stages. It will be preceded by four link stages (80 km, + 4000 m, - 800 m) in order to join the base Camp of Annapurnas, located at 4.130 m, from where the departure of the AMT 2008 will be given. This four link stages will be useful, also, for acclimatization.
It should be noted that for security reasons, the ascent of Muktinath (3.820 m) at Thorong Pass (5.416 m) will be a linked stage (10 km). Competitors will be able to run and walk using poles/sticks but taking care not to injure anyone.
Competitors are solely responsible for beginning each stage, using a card marked with the departure point, arrival point and control point.
At the end of the first stage, two groups will be formed : Group 1 (competitors in positions 1-20) and Group 2 (positions 21-40) and two starts will be arranged as of the beginning of stage two. It should be noted that these groups will change throughout the race, since the competitor's classification will be used to form the two groups.
Around the Annapurnas the only way to get around is on foot and consequently there is a local population which runners may call upon to ask for assistance during the race. In short, it is very difficult to get lost in this region unless you do it on purpose. On the other hand, depending on choices made during the race, you could do many more kilometres or spend much more time trying to find the right trail. This however, is one of the charms of such runs in the wilderness.

Obligatory equipment

Each competitor of The Annapurna Mandala Trail must be in possession of certain compulsory items from the beginning to the end of the race. Bag checks will be carried out during the race. The absence of any compulsory item from a competitor’s backpack will incur a penalty of two hours as well as the requirement of having a complete pack before being allowed to continue.
List of compulsory equipment : backpack, sleeping bag (-10° extreme), jacket Gore Tex or of the same quality, survival blanket, headlamp with spare batteries, whistle, mirror, first-aid kit containing a tape, drugs personal, two-litre flask, snap hook, a pair of cramps, three (3) meters of cord and 2.000 Calories of survival rations.

Race numbers

Each competitor will be given two clothes, numbered cards (bring pins). One MUST be worn on the chest (26 by 22) that’s to say, on the upper body, the other must be attached to the backpack. The competitor’s number as well as the sponsors of The Annapurna Mandala Trail must be visible at all times: any infraction of this rule will be punished by a two-hour penalty.

Personal Sponsorship

Whilst bearing in mind obligations concerning the organisation’s numbered cards, the competitor may use any remaining space on the T-shirt (excluding the chest), on the backpack or on other equipment (sleeves, shorts, tights, headgear, flask, socks, etc) for other sponsorship. Note that competitors may be original in order to gain maximum sponsorship value providing that clothing and behaviour respect the philosophies of Annapurna natives and the spirit of the race. Please bear in mind all of these things before entering into discussions with potential sponsors. Remember the dimensions of the cards for The Annapurna Mandala Trail are 26 by 22.

Checks

At the start of each stage, the competitor must sign a start sheet. At the end of each stage, the competitor must sign an arrival sheet next to the arrival time (hours, minutes, seconds) as noted by the timekeepers. For each stage there is a compulsory control point where the competitor must pass to sign a check sheet opposite his/her check point arrival time (hours, minutes). If the competitor fails to pass through, and therefore fails to sign in, at the checkpoint, he/she will be penalised by four hours.

Abandonment

In the event of a competitor retiring from the race, specific instructions will be given for each stage since conditions will be different for leaving whether it be at the start (Annapurna Base Camp), the finish (Jomoson), Muktinath, Pokhara or Kathmandu. Having abandoned the race, the competitor will have to wait for the following pack, which will accompany him to the finish of the current stage. At this point, he/she will no longer be involved in The Annapurna Mandala Trail and will be required to return his/her race numbers to the race director before returning under his/her own steam to Jomoson, Pokhara or Kathmandu. It should be noted that in the event of abandonment, the competitor will not be able to use the “helicopter rescue” insurance. First off, his/her only method of transportation will be on foot (3 or 4 days) in order to rejoin either the nearest piste or airfield. There, with the aim of returning to Pokhara by plane Jomson (stages 3, 4 and 5), from Hongde (stages 5, 6 and 7), allow for 50 US dollars, as the organisation’s insurance does not cover costs incurred due to a retirement which is not medically serious. Medically serious retirements are: fracture, broken limb, heart/respiratory problems, and acute mountain sickness

Runners’ Solidarity Charter

Throughout The Annapurna Mandala Trail, a solidarity charter is in place requiring competitors to help other runners who are in trouble. Non-compliance risks elimination. In the event of mountain sickness, heart/breathing problems, after-effects of a fall or hypothermia, the runner in difficulty must warn the nearest person. If this is another competitor, he/she must stay with the injured party and administer first aid, providing he/she is capable. To restart, the runner must await the arrival of a member of the organisation. Any time lost will be deducted at the end of the stage. If another runner arrives on the scene, he/she must contact the technical team. The time lost during this return journey will be deducted from his/her finishing time and he/she will also receive a one-minute bonus for every five minutes spent during this aid-run. The runner will be responsible for measuring time lost whilst helping the injured/sick competitor. The race directors will trust this assessment.
Any breach or deliberate misinterpretation of the content of this charter will be penalised by immediate disqualification without appeal. The disqualified runner will be excluded from the race and will have to return to Kathmandu by his/her own means.

Removal from the race

The doctors at Muktinath and Manang hospital and the race doctor are authorised to remove a competitor from the race if they consider him/her to be unfit to continue the race. Their decision will be final and without appeal. In Manang, each Annapurna Mandala Trail competitor will undergo a full medical check-up. If he/she is affected by mountain sickness, in a state of advanced fatigue or too weak psychologically, he/she will not be allowed to continue in the race. Every year the mountains in Nepal kill simple hikers who have failed to respect the rules of walking at altitude. Runners on The Annapurna Mandala Trail will be moving two or three times faster than a hiker and will quickly reach the critical altitude for mountain sickness (3.500 m). It should therefore be clear, that, at Macchhapuchhara Base Camp (3.700 m) and Muktinath (3.800 m), one must be in optimum health in order to go any further. Indeed, the first three link stages of The Annapurna Mandala Trail are relatively easy and there will be no question of allowing a runner to compete if his/her physical state has already been altered. If his/her condition requires it, a rapid evacuation will be carried out by helicopter or via the Jomoson and Hongde airfield, which is a two-hour hike from Manang.
This evacuation is carried out by the organisation, as insurance for helicopter mountain rescue abroad has been taken out on behalf of every competitor (the insurance is included as part of the package). If the competitor is only slightly affected, he/she will be accompanied back to Pokhara (a four-day hike and a one-day bus journey).
After Macchhapuchhara Base Camp and Muktinath, each problem will be judged on it’s own merits. Depending on the place where the competitor is removed from the course, if it is impossible to wait for the rescuers, the rescue will take place by the nearest road or airfield, either on foot, by mule or by being carried. Helicopter evacuation may only be possible rapidly, dependant again, on the scene of the incident.

Communication with France and other Western countries

At the end of some stages it will e possible to contact France and other Western countries. Communication is at the competitor's expense. Calls to France cost between 5 and 8 US dollars/minute. There is the possibility of calling from Dana (stage 2), Marpha (stage 3), Muktinath (stage 4) and Manang (stage 5 & 6). Remember: in winter the time difference between France and Nepal is 5 hours and 45 minutes. Noon in Paris is 17:45 in Kathmandu.

Penalties and disqualification

Any breach or deliberate misinterpretation of the content of the “Runners’ Solidarity Charter” will result in immediate disqualification without the right of appeal. The disqualified runner will be excluded from the race and will have to return to Kathmandu by his/her own means. Nine other situations can lead to time penalties, also leading to disqualification in the event of a second offence. These are: absence of any compulsory piece of equipment for The Annapurna Mandala Trail (two-hour penalty for each missing object as well as the requirement of having a full complement of equipment before being able to continue); any obstruction of the official Annapurna Mandala Trail sponsorship on the numbered cards (two hours); failure to pass through or clock-in at any of the various check points (four hours); breach of course director’s instructions (four hours); land-based assistance (six hours) except that provided by a competitor; non-respect of the environment or the local population (immediate disqualification) – see chapter “Aims of the Kathmandu Declaration”. And finally, non-respect of conditions imposed during the linked stage (immediate disqualification). Apart from this, the runner is considered a responsible, adult sportsperson.
No time limit will be imposed on competitors but for safety reasons, he/she must complete each stage within one hour of nightfall, that’s to say, around 17:00. In the event of late arrival, no penalty will be imposed and the competitor will be allowed to continue the following morning – providing his/her physical state is acceptable.

Aims of the Kathmandu Declaration

To protect effectively the mountain environment, its flora, fauna and natural resources. To reduce the negative impact of man’s activities. To respect the cultural heritage and dignity of local populations. To stimulate activities which restore and rehabilitate the mountain environment. To encourage contact between mountaineers of different countries through friendship, mutual respect and peace. To spread information and knowledge in order to improve man’s relationship with the environment. To use only resources which respect the energy needs of the environment and the elimination of waste products. To support mountain countries by way of development with a view to environmental conservation. To expand access to mountainous regions
without difficulties of a political nature.

Supplies

During the race the competitor is independent and must manage his own food and water. He/she may prepare supplies before departure or stock-up during the race. With the exception of the Phedi – Muktinath section, a village is passed approximately every thirty minutes. For snacks, one will find biscuits, chocolate bars and chocolate tablets or even a dal-bat (lentils and rice) between 10am and 12 noon. Water is not a problem. It can be found in every village and consider also streams, brooks and rivers. Water is available at least every fifteen minutes. However, it must be treated with Micropur (purifying agent) before consumption (one tablet for a litre of water). Because of this, there is a one-hour waiting period before it can be drunk without risk. A twin-bottle-belt is thus ideal. While one is being purified, the other is drinkable. It is also possible to buy bottled water but at a cost of 50 – 200 rupees (0,50 – 2 euros / 33p - £1.32 / 50c - $2) per litre depending on the altitude. During the ten days of The Annapurna Mandala Trail, the organisation deals with accommodation, breakfast and dinner. Lunch is the competitor’s responsibility. Anticipate 500 rupees (5 euros / £3.30 / $7) per day. It should be noted that except for tea, all other drinks consumed by the runner (bottled water, soft drinks, beer) are at his/her own cost.

The group is divided into six sub-teams: arrival time-keepers, check-point time-keepers, pack safety, runners’ first-aider and then tail-end support (including the race director). The sixth team looks after accommodation (hotels, hostels) as well as the provision of breakfast and evening meals. Remember that lunch is at the runner’s expense. Anticipate around 800 rupees (8 euros / £3 / $10) for each race day. Not including the first-aider, the 26 other technical team members are paid staff who move around on foot. They precede, accompany or follow the runners on their journey. The race doctor will be running. He has a race number and will be considered as a competitor, as is the race photographer. These two people are volunteers and they record their own race times, stopping and starting their watches if they stop to administer medical assistance or take photos of competitors. It is therefore their actual running time which is counted at the end of each stage in order to determine their race position.

Insurance

Each competitor has insurance for helicopter mountain rescue abroad. It was subscribed by the competitor before its departure for Nepal. The decision to call out the helicopter in the event of a physical incapacity to completing the race, (fracture, broken limb, etc) or acute mountain sickness, is taken by the race doctor. Until assistance arrives, the organisation assures the competitors safety.

Medical Certificate

Each runner must produce a medical certificate specifying that he/she is able to participate in The Annapurna Mandala Trail. If he/she has no experience of mountain races above 4.000m, he/she is strongly advised to pass a hypoxy test in order to determine whether or not his/her body is able to cope with the requirements of high altitude.

Medical File

This file, complete with photo, contains the following information: name, surname, age, sex, blood group, vaccinations, current medication, previous operations/surgery, serious illnesses, emergency contact including telephone number in case of an emergency, name and telephone number of the insurance company as well as the number of the repatriation insurance policy taken out. The competitor must contact his/her GP to find out about necessary vaccinations for a journey to Nepal as well as whether or not an anti-malaria treatment is recommended.

Assistance File

This file, complete with photo, contains the following information: name, surname, age, sex, blood group, vaccinations, current medication, previous operations/surgery, serious illnesses, emergency contact including telephone number in case of an emergency, name and telephone number of the insurance company as well as the number of the repatriation insurance policy taken out. This file is for the use of the organisation in Nepal.

The Annapurna Mandala Trail is a race over several days and competitors must be prepared to deal with daytime temperatures of between –5 and +30 degrees and as low as –20 at night. During “Event Zero” last March, some competitors recorded temperatures of +30 by day and –14 at night. However, it is possible to take part in this mountain trail with a daily weight of equipment, which does not exceed 10 kilos. An example including backpack weight and in “summer” racewear would be 9 kg…. not including water!

Example of typical equipment

Backpack 30/35 litres (quantity 1) : (700g)
A –10 sleeping bag (1) : (1000g)
Fleece windcheater (1) : (700g)
Gore-Tex windcheater jacket (1) : (700g)
Gore-Tex windcheater trousers (1) : (300g)
Trail shoes (1) : (700g)
Shorts (1), running suit (1), pants (2) : (200g)
Race socks (2), Carline rest socks (1) : (200g)
Carline short, Carline long : (300g)
Running tights (1), Carline tights (1) : (400g)
Silk gloves, windcheater gloves, hat or mountain cap : (400g)
Food complements and energy bars : (1200g)
Compulsory first aid kit and survival blanket : (700g)
Personal medication : (200g)
Toiletries : (300g)
“Snow” glasses (1) : (100g)
Permitted racing poles (2) : (500g)
Water bottle-belt with two empty bottles (1) : (700g)
Headlamp (1) : (400g)
Card-holder, card, stopwatch : (300g)

Obligatory equipment

Each competitor of The Annapurna Mandala Trail must be in possession of certain compulsory items from the beginning to the end of the race. Bag checks will be carried out during the race. The absence of any compulsory item from a competitor’s backpack will incur a penalty of two hours as well as the requirement of having a complete pack before being allowed to continue.
List of compulsory equipment : backpack, sleeping bag (-10° extreme), jacket Gore Tex or of the same quality, survival blanket, headlamp with spare batteries, whistle, mirror, first-aid kit containing a tape, drugs personal, two-litre flask, snap hook, a pair of cramps, three (3) meters of cord and 2.000 Calories of survival rations.

Note : it is possible to take part in The Annapurna Mandala Trail without taking on all of the programme’s services. The organisation is thinking particularly of those who are already on site or travelling from another country (other than France). In this case, they must present themselves at the headquarters of the Base Camp Trek & Expeditions in Kathmandu in the afternoon of day 2 to meet up with organisers and fellow competitors in The Annapurna Mandala Trail. The registration fee without the costs of the Paris – Kathmandu – Paris flights is 1.550 Euros.
Payment timetable : 500 Euros with registration ; 1.000 Euros by 31th January 2008 for your ticket plane Paris – Kathmandu – Paris; 1.050 euros by cash or CB in Base Camp Trek & Expeditions Kathamndu (day 2, 12 april 2008).

Note 2 : It is possible to stay longer in Nepal. This must be indicated by a hand-written letter at the time of making the application, in order to alter the return plane journey.
Note 3 : Cheques made payable to : Base Camp Trek & Expeditions. 19, Rue des Douettes. 85130 Saint-Aubin-des-Ormeaux. France. If you want to pay by banking transactions (your bank with our bank) you can to send all yours payments to this bank account.

Contact organisation

Base Camp Trek & Expedition.
Rashmi Tamot & Jerome Edou, G.P.O. Box : 3491. Kathmandu. Nepal
Email : info@basecamptrek.com

Himalaya’s Racers Association. C/O Bruno Poirier
19, Rue des Douettes. 85130 Saint-Aubin-des-Ormeaux. France.
Téléphone : 02.51.65.69.97 Portable : 06.81.82.08.01 Fax : 02.51.47.62.26
E-mail : bruno.poirier@ouest-france.fr