Army’s Binod and Purnalakshmi secure Lumbini International Peace Marathon titles

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 22: Binod Rokaya of the Tribhuvan Army Club secured first place in the 4th Lumbini International Peace Marathon 2026 on Saturday. His club-mate, Purnalakshmi Neupane, claimed victory in the women’s half marathon, marking a day of total dominance for the Army Club at the sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site.

In the men’s marathon, the Tribhuvan Army Club swept the podium. Binod clinched the title with a time of 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 55 seconds, followed closely by Sushil Kumar Shahi in 2:18:16. Narendra Singh Raut completed the Army’s top-three lockout, finishing in 2:19:58. China’s Wang Qi placed fourth (2:21:05), while Kenya’s Julius Wakome took fifth (2:23:00). The remaining top-ten positions were filled by Dal Bahadur Kunwar, Ishah Nungu, Kul Bahadur Basnet, Hari Rimal, and Karna Bahadur Roka Magar.

The financial rewards reflected the prestige of the event, with Binod receiving a grand prize of Rs 350,000. Runner-up Sushil was awarded Rs 250,000, and third-placed Narendra took home Rs 150,000. The athletes placing fourth through tenth received tiered prizes ranging from Rs 100,000 down to Rs 5,000.

In the women’s half marathon, Purnalakshmi Neupane avenged her previous defeat by overtaking defending champion Santoshi Shrestha. Purnalakshmi clocked a winning time of 1:17:10, while Santoshi settled for the runner-up spot in 1:18:40. The Army Club continued its strong showing with Nisha Sarki and Sunsari Rokaya finishing third and fourth respectively, followed by Ruwan Seeing in fifth. For her victory, Purnalakshmi received Rs 150,000, while the other top finishers were awarded between Rs 100,000 and Rs 30,000.

The event also featured several shorter distances and age-group categories. Dharma Maharjan triumphed in the veterans’ 5 km race, while Nageshwar Ahir of the Nepal Police Club won the men’s 5 km open. In the youth categories, Dipsikh Shahi led the girls’ 5 km race, and Yubaraj Budha took gold in the boys’ equivalent. A 3 km walkathon was also held to promote the spirit of the event.

Organised by the Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) with support from the Chinese Embassy, the marathon concluded with a formal ceremony. NOC President Jeevan Ram Shrestha and Vice President Ashok Bajracharya, who also served as the marathon coordinator, presented the winners with their cash prizes, medals, and certificates.