Runners push on 7-Province Marathon

Kathmandu, Feb 20: Participants of the 777 Nepal Marathon Challenge – a historic exercise spanning 296 kilometres across all 7 provinces of Nepal – have reached Janakpur. 

The challenge has been organized by U.K.-based Nepal Run and Runderbolts. Nepal Run is the first Nepalese Running Club in the U.K. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of health and well-being, as well as encourage people to get healthier through running activities. Runderbolts is a running community that promotes physical and mental well-being. Both organizations host regular running events. 

The challenge, which began with the Pokhara International Marathon on 15th February, has covered Pokhara, Butwal, Dhangadi, Surkhet, and Hetauda. It will now progress to Biratnagar, concluding with the Dharan 10k Run on 22nd February. 

Sangita Thapa (Nepal), Ramesh Shakya (Nepal), Deepak Kumar Ranjit (Nepal), Bahadur Tamang (Nepal), Rakesh Maharjan (Nepal), Homa Pun (U.K.), and Subash Bhujel (Macau) are running the challenge’s half marathon. Santosh Rai (U.K.), Ruden Bhutia (U.K.), Prithvi Khadka (U.K.), Pandav Mahato (U.K.), Safal Lama (Nepal), Arjun Kulung (Nepal), and Bikram Khanal (Nepal) are running the challenge’s full marathon. 

Prithvi Khadka, a member of Nepal Run, says the 777 Nepal Marathon Challenge aims to promote sports tourism in Nepal. 

Given Nepal’s diverse geography and unique attractions, several experts have noted the vast untapped potential of the Nepalese sports tourism sector. In addition to boosting economic growth and development, the sector can also facilitate diplomatic engagement and cultivate policy influence.

Prithvi Khadka also notes the importance of upholding gender equality in sports tourism. Indeed, although female participation in sports tourism is growing, there exists a persistent gender gap in terms of engagement. 

Khadka says, “Often, people assume that women may not be able to perform as well as men in marathons. We hope initiatives such as the 777 Nepal Marathon Challenge can help counter these negative stereotypes.” 

The 777 Nepal Marathon Challenge – the first initiative of its kind in Nepal – is being documented by Supath Shrestha. Shrestha says, “It has been fascinating to witness and document these athletes achieve this amazing feat. I hope my work gives the audience insight into the sheer endurance, determination, and camaraderie of this group.” The documentary is expected to be ready for public viewing by this summer. (RSS)