Rawal wins 5th Cross Country race

By Arjun Kafle,Syangja, Dec. 24: Nepal Army runner Karan Rawal emerged as the champion of the 5th Cross-country race organized by the Satsayya Kolma Bahakot Sampark Manch, Rawal, on Monday. Rawal completed the 25 km distance in 1 hour, 27 minutes, and 52 seconds, winning the title and a prize of Rs 50,000. 

Tanka Bahadur Karki of the Army finished in second place, covering the distance in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 9 seconds. Ramesh Limbu secured third place with a time of 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 59 seconds. Karki received Rs 40,000, while the runner-up Limbu was awarded Rs 30,000 for his performance.

The race started at Barahchaur in Putalibazaar Municipality-9 and concluded at Barahchaur via Satidanda, Kaule, Thumki Danda, and Jimire Temple.

In the Under-21 men's 10-kilometer cross-country race, Sanam Gurung claimed the title by finishing the distance in 46 minutes and 35 seconds. Gurung took home the cash prize of Rs 15,000 for his win. The runner-up, Padam Bahadur Manandhar, completed the race in 49 minutes and 35 seconds and received Rs 10,000, while third-place finisher Rudra Budhathoki completed the race in 50 minutes and 14 seconds, earning Rs 5,000.

In the open women's 10-kilometer cross-country race, Rabina Budhamagar took the title with a time of 1 hour, 12 minutes, and 26 seconds. Budhamagar was awarded Rs 15,000 for her victory. The runner-up, Bimala Manandhar, finished in 1 hour, 15 minutes, and 28 seconds, winning Rs 10,000. 

In the 5KM race for students, a group from Kolma Barahchaur claimed both the first and second places, while students from Janajagruti Secondary School secured third place. The winners of the relay race were awarded cash prizes of Rs 12,000 for first place, Rs 8,000 for second, and Rs 4,000 for third.

Jeevan Prasad Pokharel, the general secretary of the organizing committee, stated that the event aims to raise awareness about the potential for hosting national-level sports events in rural areas.