Need some motivation to stay in shape during the holiday season? How about a virtual journey through the mystic Himalaya? Best of all - it’s for a fantastic cause!
Click here to enter the Empower Challenge, and you’ll have the month of December to run or hike your chosen route through the Everest region (42km and 100km distances are available). As you track your workouts, you’ll see your progress on the virtual race map. The entrance fee will go to support young female Nepalese athletes in the Mira Rai Initiative’s Exchange and Empower program.
Nepalese trail running legend Mira Rai has taken the world by storm with her inspirational story, phenomenal race performances and joyful approach to life. Now, she’s empowering a new generation of talented female athletes, giving them the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
The Exchange and Empower Training and Education Scholarship aims to support talented athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds. Working in collaboration with different NGOs, the program helps these women to overcome societal pressures - including expectations to leave school early, work on the family farm, marry young or even the trauma of sexual trafficking - and provides them with athletic training, professional development and financial support.
To date, 10 exceptional young women have been sponsored. As well as following Mira’s personalised training program, they’ve earned trail guide certification, studied English, travelled abroad, and raced against some of the world’s best athletes. A further six athletes have been selected for the 2021 program - your support will help make their dreams come true!
To enter the challenge, click here now!
Logistical support for the race is provided by the awesome folks from GB Ultra. For more information, check out the Mira Rai Initiative and Exchange and Empower websites.