Nepalgunj / Preparations for the Nepalgunj 10 Night Run have reached their final stage. The winners of the race will secure an opportunity to participate in the world-class Bangsaen Run in Thailand.

Bangsaen, a popular coastal tourist city, hosts three international running events every year. Among them, Bangsaen 21 is recognized as a World Athletics Platinum Label race, while Bangsaen 42 and Bangsaen 10 are Elite Label events.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between TS Thakuri, Founder of Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon, and Rut Jiroajvaanichakorn, Founder and Managing Director of the Bangsaen Series. Based on this agreement, runners and officials recommended by the Nepalgunj Marathon will receive free registration and hospitality at Bangsaen Series events. Similarly, participants recommended by the Bangsaen Series will get the same privileges in Nepalgunj events.

“This partnership will provide valuable learning opportunities for Nepali runners, organizers, and officials,” said Thakuri. “World-class marathons are being held in our neighboring countries. This initiative ensures that Nepali athletes can benefit from such opportunities. I would like to extend special thanks to Rut for making this possible.”
Rut, who has emerged as a reliable leader in Asia and a promising face in the global running community, has been instrumental in this collaboration. Based on Bangsaen’s recommendations, Thai participants will also be invited to events under the Nepalgunj Marathon umbrella, including the Nepalgunj 10 Night Run, Kathmandu 25K Heritage Race, Karnali Half Marathon, and the Nepal International Running Conference.

Certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), the Nepalgunj Night Run is held every year on September 19 (Constitution Day). It is known as the simplest certified route in Nepal. Meanwhile, the Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon has been held continuously for the past 11 years as the country’s first AIMS member event.
Following the partnership with Bangsaen, the number of international events open to Nepalgunj Marathon winners has expanded. Previously, through collaboration with Nepal Run (UK), Nepali athletes were given the opportunity to compete in the world-renowned London Marathon for the past two years. Starting this year, participants will also get a chance to compete in the prestigious Valencia Marathon (Spain) and the Osaka Marathon (Japan).
Currently, around eight events are held annually under the Nepalgunj Marathon umbrella. The upcoming races include:
Gaughat Green Run – October 14
Rapti-Sonari Nature Run – October 17
Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon – November 21 (preceded by the 5th edition of the Nepalgunj Conclave)
Karnali Half Marathon – Last Saturday of November
Kathmandu 25K Heritage Race – May 1
Nepal International Running Conference – End of April, in collaboration with AIMS
Nepalgunj also holds the distinction of being the only city in Nepal with two full-time AIMS memberships, strengthening its reputation as a hub for international running events.