The first Everest Sky Race 2003, to mark this year's golden jubilee of the first ascent, began on 10 November. Forty-five mountain runners from around the world are competing in 10 gruelling stages that span 11 days. Organisers Base Camp Trekking & Expeditions are sponsoring seven Nepali runners including two women. The race begins and ends in Lukla and extends 280km with a climb of up to 5,540m at Kala Pathar. Runners will cross three major passes all above 5000m: Kongma-La, Cho-La and Renjo-La. Runners carry their own backpacks and plot their own trail using a map. On 11 November, after Stage 2, 18km from Monjo to Namche, Nepal's Sumba Sherpa was in first place with Frenchman Pascal Beaury second. The runners took a break on 12 November at Namche to acclimatise and for medical check-ups. Friday, Stage 4, runners left Pangboche at 9AM to hit the snow-laden trail.