AN ATHLETE is still on a high after completing a full marathon down the slopes of Mount Everest.

Geoff Watson, of Sedgefield, first heard of the race, which takes place every 18 months, six years ago and has wanted to take part ever since. This year he managed to save enough money to make the trip to Nepal.

Mr Watson, who runs for Durham City Harriers and Elvet Striders, spent four weeks trekking in Nepal before taking part in the marathon, which is held to raise money for charities.

The run started at 17,000ft at Gorek Shep, base camp for early attempts on Everest, and descended over the full marathon distance of 26 miles to the Sherpa trading town of Namche Bazzaar.

The altitude is a major problem for most entrants and Mr Watson said: "It was hard. I was fine for the first three miles and then I started feeling a bit ill and I was nearly sick quite a few times.

"I hadn't had a drink and was getting dehydrated, so I stopped at the mid-point for 20 minutes and had a rest and something to eat."

Mr Watson finished the gruelling race in 7hr 55min - the winner took 3hr 58min.

He said "For a lot of people the trip is just an excuse to go there and see Everest because the race is just one day out of it and you get some great views and some great mementoes.

"It is something I would definitely do again if I had the money and it also depends on the political situation in Nepal."