Somerset Student Conquers World’s Highest Marathon in Incredible Feat of Endurance

Albie Jervis, a student from Somerset, took on the extraordinary challenge of the 2025 International Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon, the highest marathon in the world. Uniquely, he was accompanied by his mother, Selina Jervis, making their participation a remarkable family achievement.

At just 18 years old and as the youngest competitor, Albie earned special permission to compete in the demanding half marathon course. Against breathtaking Himalayan peaks and the thin, oxygen-poor mountain air, he pushed himself to finish an impressive fourth overall. He narrowly missed third place, edged out by a full marathon runner who had switched to the half marathon the day before the race.

Albie is currently studying Business, Marketing, and Management at Richard Huish College in Taunton, and credits his mum Selina for his motivation. Selina also took on the full marathon challenge, finishing as the fourth-best international woman in the race.

The college praised their outstanding performance, calling it a “powerful example of grit, determination, and the spirit of adventure.”

Held annually on May 29, the Everest Marathon honors the legendary 1953 summit of Everest by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary. The race begins at Everest Base Camp, situated at 5,364 meters above sea level, and descends through rugged Himalayan terrain to finish in Namche Bazaar at 3,440 meters.

Runners face some of the most extreme endurance conditions on the planet – rocky paths, steep declines, and demanding climbs – all while coping with significantly reduced oxygen levels and harsh alpine weather.

For Albie, completing the race was more than just a physical and mental victory; it was an unforgettable adventure atop the world’s highest peaks.

A spokesperson from Richard Huish College said, “Everyone at Huish is immensely proud of Albie’s achievement. His courage and resilience in such extreme conditions serve as true inspiration.”