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Kim Ingleby, an award-winning mind and body coach, travelled with charity Street Child to take on the Nepal International Marathon in the foothills of the Himalaya. Here’s her story Pic credit: Chris Parkes/Street Child

As you breathe the pure mountain air and look across the Himalayan foothills, you can’t help but feel inspired and invigorated by the surroundings of the Nepal Marathon. The untouched scenery of the breath-taking Shivapuri National Park boasts tranquil woodland, abundant wildlife and of course, the world’s highest mountain range. Being here is a far cry from most of our daily routines, and this event is a fresh and exhilarating challenge for even the most seasoned of trail runners.

This was not my first international marathon. In 2014 I travelled to Sierra Leone with Street Child to take on the Sierra Leone Marathon. It was one of the most memorable races I have ever done and I knew the Nepal Marathon experience would be equally unforgettable.

Modelled on the Sierra Leone Marathon, the Nepal International Marathon is a marathon that unites everyone behind a good cause.

As marathon founder Nick Kershaw explains: “Running has a power that transcends mere exercise; it unites, challenges and liberates. Our goal is to unleash this power to tackle the major issues facing the world today and empower all our participants along the way.”

Runners fundraise to support Street Child’s work helping some of the poorest and most vulnerable children to go to school. In the days leading up to the marathon, we had a chance to visit some of their projects and see the impact of our fundraising first-hand. The difference Street Child make is remarkable; they are hands-on, working with local communities on sustainable life-changing projects. Visiting projects and seeing the difference we were making gave us the motivation we needed to tackle the marathon!

The 42km course has been christened ‘The Beast of Shivapuri’  - running up and down steep winding paths at altitude – you can see why! I think it was one of the hardest races I have done - in a really positive way. The start was wonderful – running through the village, seeing all the children smiling and laughing. Then up into the hills, the views over the Himalaya were truly breathtaking. The final 10km was quite simply, the toughest, yet most beautiful end to a marathon I have ever done. I felt amazing, relieved and surprised crossing the finishing line! All finishers receive a traditional Nepalese blessing – it’s a unique, memorable and wonderful race.

This year’s Nepal Marathon was in support of Street Child’s ‘Right to Learn’ appeal, which will help 10,000 of the most vulnerable children to go to school and learn. Until February 15, the UK government will match all donations to the appeal, pound for pound.

If you would like to learn more about Street Child’s International Challenges, including the award-winning Sierra Leone Marathon, which will take place in May 2018 please visit: www.street-child.co.uk 

Kim Ingleby is the founder of Energised Performance and a triple award-winning mind body coach. Kim helps people remove their fears and take action to make their goals happen.  She works with all levels of athletes, from beginners completing their first trail run or adventure, up to extreme adventure explorers and Team GB. She has raised more than £80k for charity, done a TEDx Talk, written a book and lives with her rescue hound Jake. Whatever your dream or goal, wherever it is in the world, Kim will help you make it happen.  Visit. www.energisedperformance.com Tweet @kimingleby