Nepalgunj / Registration for the 11th edition of the “Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon”, scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 21 (Mangsir 6), has opened from Sunday.
According to the organizers, an “early bird discount” of 20 percent on all registration fees will be available until the end of Asoj. This year’s categories include:
– Marathon (42.195 km)– Men’s Open
– Half Marathon (21.097 km)– Men’s and Women’s Open
– 10 km – Men’s and Women’s Open
– 5 km – School-level boys & girls (within Banke district)
– 5 km– School-level boys & girls (outside Banke district)
– 5 km – Corporate Run
– 3 km – Kids’ Run (ages 8–12)
– 3 km – Parents’ Fun Run (open to all professions and backgrounds)
– 3 km– Wheelchair Run
Recognized by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), the Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon is regarded as one of Nepal’s easiest certified routes. The top ten finishers in the marathon, half marathon, and 10 km will receive cash prizes, while the top five in the 5 km and the top three in the 3 km will also be awarded with medals and certificates in addition to cash rewards. The prize money details will be announced soon.
According to Race Director Chandra Bahadur Gurung, this year the organizers are focusing more on “international exposure” rather than prize money. He emphasized that Nepali runners and organizers must gain hands-on experience from world-class road races, and the team is actively working in that direction.
This edition introduces two new features: the addition of a men’s half marathon and the replacement of the “Walkathon” with a 3 km Fun Run. To encourage early registrations, the organizers are preparing several attractive offers.
“Yeti Airlines” has already signed on as the official airline partner of the marathon. Furthermore, in a bid to provide international exposure opportunities, the organizers have partnered with the “Bangsaen Running Series”, which hosts three world-class running events. Winners of the official distances will also be given opportunities to compete in international races, based on their performances.
According to “TS Thakuri”, AIMS’ Nepal representative and founder of the Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon, serious preparations are underway to create such opportunities. “It’s not just about opportunities for runners, but also for everyone dedicated to the marathon’s mission,” Thakuri said. “While from the outside it looks like just a running event, in reality, the Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon is a social transformation campaign.”
The event first began in December 2015 (Mangsir 2072) as an initiative to bring together different castes, religions, and communities in Nepalgunj, commemorating November 21, 2006 (Mangsir 5)—the day Nepal signed the Comprehensive Peace Accord to formally end the decade-long armed conflict. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the marathon continued in compliance with government protocols.