Khaptad-Shaileshwori Marathon to be held on June 11

By Keshab Chandra Mahara, Dipayal, June 9: A marathon competition is being organized for the tourism development of the Khaptad region and the Sudur Paschim province.

Named 'Sundar Sudurpaschim Khaptad- Shaileshwori', the marathon competition is going to be organized on June 11, on the occasion of the Ganga Dashahara Festival. 

On the occasion of the Ganga Dashahara festival, the Doti Chamber of Commerce and industry, the Bhairab Prasad Battalion of Nepali Army Shilagadhi and the Shree Number 5 Bahini Adda are all set to organize the marathon competition. 

Organizing a press conference organizers have informed that Khaptad Volleyball and Deuda competition and Yoga camp will also be organized along with the marathon. 

The 32-km long marathon will start from the Khaptad National Park, known as heaven on earth, to the Shaileshwori temple of Silagadhi Municipality -6.

The marathon route has been fixed from Khaptad, Bichapani, Jhigrana, Baglek, and Silagadhi to Shaileshwori temple. 

Out of the scheduled programmes, a volleyball competition has already been conducted whereas the Deuda competition will be organized on June 10. Khem Raj Bhandari, Vice-chairman of the Doti Chambers of Commerce and industry, said that 32 Kilometers long marathon will be organized on June 11. 

With 40 marathon competition runners and the other 80 runners (runners for fun), altogether 120 runners will participate in the marathon.  

Including two individuals from the nine districts of the Sudurpaschim province and two from the buffer zone area, a total of 20 participants will take part in the marathon competition. Besides, 20 competitors will also be participating from the side of the Nepali Army. 

Similarly, the chief guests, guests, the chief of the Nepali Army and other participants will participate in the second phase's marathon. Run for fun named marathon has 16 kilometres long route from Triveni of Khaptad to Jhigrana. 

According to organizers, an approximate budget of 1.5 million rupees has been proposed for the completion of the programme. Nine municipalities of the Doti district and Shaileshwori Doti Public Transport Pvt. Ltd. are the sponsors of the competition. 

The first, second and third winners will get a prize in cash of Rs. 100,000, 75,000 and 50,000 respectively. Former Chair of Doti Chambers of Commerce and industry Narendra Khadka said that the programme is organized to attract youths in this area and promote the religious, cultural and tourism-related significance of the Sudurpaschim.