This year’s Lhasa International Half Marathon held on August 25, 2009 was its 4th since the inauguration but there were two cancellations so technically it was only the second time that it was held. This is the only half marathon that I am aware of that requires a physical exam, adminstered by the local organizing committee. From this semi-official marathon website: http://eng.tibet.cn/Features2009/2009lsbcmls/ , we know that it has a lot to be desired to become a real “international” half marathon. Quite a few links are missing. It is understandable that for such a high altitude marathon with limited particpants, online registration will not be available. But after reading the website, I was confused about how to proceed if I were interested. This is a great example for leaving the marathon registration to contracted adventure tour operators such as us. Unfortunately at this stage, no one is authorized to apply for Lhasa Half Marathon entry on behalf of a client except the official organizer.
I think this should be improved upon. There are no better candidates like us, who are experienced Tibet tour operators and have the passion for running to spread the words of Lhasa Half Marathon. We can truly turn the high altitude marathon experience into an ”adventure meets culture” once-in-a-lifetime experience. A couple of Access Tibet associates are experienced marathon runners with world famous Boston Marathon and LA Marathon under the belt.
Someday, I would like to take some runners up to the roof of the world!
