From Hoy to the Himalayas

Laura Johnston from Hoy, has just completed the highest marathon in the world in Nepal.

Despite the devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal earlier this year, marathon officials decided that the 2015 Everest Marathon would go ahead.

Friend Mary Harris, who also lives in Longhope told The Orcadian today, Tuesday: “For 15 days Laura Johnston from Hoy has been trekking up the long and arduous trail to a settlement near Everest Base Camp known as Gorak Shep at a height of 5184m. There were planned acclimatisation stops on the way in order to adjust to the altitude and she did have to overcome one or two problems in order to continue.

“The aim of this very demanding trek was to reach Gorak Shep then run in the gruelling Everest Marathon and raise funds, firstly for the Sherpa communities devastated by the recent earthquakes and secondly for the community of Longhope.”

She added: “We were so delighted and relieved to hear on Monday that she has successfully completed the marathon. Unfortunately Laura went over on her ankle halfway along the course but despite the discomfort she soldiered on and bravely completed the race.”

You can follow her challenging journey in the Himalayas on her Facebook page-High Hopes.