27 October, Kathmandu. The 12th edition of Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon will be held in Nepalgunj on Saturday 12th November. This time, 12 types of races of different distances and categories have been included in the competition, according to the organizers.
In the marathon, which will start from BP Chowk in Nepalgunj, there will be 42 km open for men, 21 km open for women, 10 km open for women and men, 5 km open for women and men and 5 km for school students.
Similarly, 3 km corporate run, 3 km kids run, 3 km wheelchair run, 2 km family run and 3 km run for all are also included in the competition.
According to Race Director Chandra Bahadur Gurung, electronic chips will also be provided to women who want to improve their personal time in the 42 km men's open marathon. Similarly, male runners who wish to run in the 21 km half marathon scheduled for women will also be provided with an electronic chip for timing.
In the 42 km marathon, runners of different age groups will be ranked separately. Gurung said that runners in the age group of 40 to 50, 50 to 60 and 60 to 70 years will be encouraged based on the first, second and third places.
In collaboration with the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the system of including age group runners in the global rankings will continue this year as well. According to the organizer, it will also be facilitated for participation in the world championship of the age group.
The best runners in various categories will be given the opportunity to participate in World Athletics' platinum, gold, elite and level races, including major marathons. Registration coordinator Gagan Thapa informed that the online registration for the competition has been opened. The official website of Nepalgunj Marathon should be used for registration.
International award winning marathon
The Nepalgunj Marathon received the Ames Social Award in Tromsø, Norway last June among running events around the world. The marathon, which has been held continuously since 2015, aims to convey the message of peace, harmony and unity through sports.
The marathon has been started since 2072 in commemoration of 5th Mansir 2063, the day on which a comprehensive peace agreement was signed to end the eleven-year armed conflict. According to the organizer, the competition is being promoted as a means of binding Nepalgunj to the formula of peace, harmony and unity, which is inhabited by people of many castes, religions and sects.
TS Thakuri, the founder of Nepalgunj Marathon, said that the international award was received in appreciation of the efforts to develop running as a social activity and culture.
"We want to socialize the race and make it a culture," he said, "This international award will give us energy." Nepal will be known all over the world.
About a dozen sister programs are now running in association with Nepalgunj Marathon. Gaughat Green Run and Raptisonari Nature Run have been running for two years with the aim of making school children aware of climate change issues and inspiring them to adapt.
Similarly, two editions of Nepalgunj 10K Night Run have been organized with the aim of creating a safe environment for running at night. For the international promotion of Nepali heritage, Kathmandu 25 km Heritage Race has been started since last year and Karnali Half Marathon is also being organized in Karnali Province.
Six editions of Nepalgunj Conclave have been completed under Nepalgunj Discourse with the aim of developing a culture of dialogue and debate. Last year, Nepal International Running Conference was organized along with AIIMS board meeting, in which representatives from 18 countries participated.
Kohlpur Mile is also being started from this year under 'One Global Mile'. The organizer has also been continuously publishing Nepal Running Magazine.
