Jumla-Rara Ultra Marathon competition to promote Nepal: Minister Shrestha

By Netra Shahi,Jumla, Apr. 14: The fifth edition of the Jumla-Rara Ultra Marathon race, covering 49 kilometres from Jumla to Rara, has begun.

The marathon is organised by Karnali Sports Club with the support of the District Forest Office, Jumla in collaboration with local authorities. A total of 57 athletes have participated in the marathon.

According to Saroj Shahi, President of Karnali Sports Club, 57 athletes (15 female and four international) have participated in the 49-kilometre race. 

Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, Minister for Youth and Sports, along with Member of Parliament Binita Kathayat and world-renowned marathon runner Hari Bahadur Rokaya, inaugurated the programme. 

Speaking at the programme organised at Khalanga, district headquarters, Minister Shrestha emphasised the importance of the Jumla-Rara Ultra Marathon in showcasing Nepal to the world.

“The Jumla-Rara Ultra Marathon will be included in the annual calendar of the Ministry of Youth and Sports," said Minister Shrestha. He also expressed his commitment to celebrating it more magnificently in the coming years. 

Athlete Rokaya said that athletes who can represent the country at the international level should be produced at the local level. 

Dhir Bahadur Budha from Jumla stood first among all male participants, followed by Dal Bahadur Kunwar in the second position. The result will be officially announced only on Sunday in Rara.

In the five-kilometre category for students under 16 years old, Surendra Adhikari secured first place, followed by Anil Shahi in second place and Hikmat Budha in third place. 

Similarly, in the one-kilometre category, Himal Bhandari stood first, Salu Nepali stood second, and Asal Budha stood third. The competition also included participation from employees, traders, and senior citizens.

Commitment to manage budget of Rs. 100 million for High Altitude Training Centre

Meanwhile, Minister Shrestha has pledged to allocate a budget of Rs. 100 million for the High Altitude Training Centre, located in Lotchaur of Patarasi Rural Municipality, Jumla. 

Minister Shrestha, upon returning from Patarasi after an inspection of the High Altitude Training Centre, has announced the allocation of the budget.

Despite the government's initiative in establishing the High Altitude Centre near Chhumchaur, budget constraints have slowed down the progress in opening the training centre. 

Deputy Chairperson of Patarasi Rural Municipality, Jana Maya Rokaya, expressed hope that Jumla's dream would come true after the budget announcement by Minister Shrestha.