Manungkot contributes to country's economy: Minister Acharya

Kathmandu, Jan 30: Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens Surendra Acharya viewed that Manungkot in Tanahun district would contribute to the tourism sector in the country.     

Inaugurating the 7th Byas Town Ultra Marathon at Manungkot in Byas municipality-5 in the district today, Minister Acharya spoke of the need to prioritize the construction of physical infrastructures in Manungkot and pledged the federal government's support for the same.     

Byas municipality mayor Baikuntha Neupane shared that the ultramarathon was organized to promote tourism through sports. "The ultra marathon is aimed at promoting the tourism and culture of Manungkot."     

The ultra-marathon kicked off marking the Martyrs Day which falls on every 16th of Nepali month Magh. The 44-km long marathon connects Magar village to Gurung within the municipality.     

116 marathon runners are participating in the contest including departmental teams such as Tribhuvan Army Club, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police, it was shared.     

Other participants include athletes from Kaski, Lamjung, Gorkha, Dhading, Chitwan, Dolpa, Rukum and Kathmandu among other districts.     

The marathon begins from Manungkot and ends at Pulimarang via Alainche-Chapaghat-Ansan Chautari-Safa Sadak-Bhorletar Chowk-Baireni-Dumsi-Kalesti-Pathra-Satrasaya-Baniya Hidi-Barlachi-Sotibeshi-Baguwa Risti-Bahun Pokhara.     

Check posts have been set up in various stations for the marathon.     

The prize for the runner standing first is Rs 85,000, Rs 65,000 for the second runner and Rs 55,080 for the third. Five winners will get a consolation prize of Rs 16,080 each, it was shared.     

Earlier, runners from Tanahu districts were only allowed to participate in the event which is open to participants from other districts this time. (RSS)