Nepalgunj: World-renowned Kenyan marathon runner John Kelai, the gold medalist of the 2010 Commonwealth Games—often referred to as the “Mini Olympics”—has arrived in Nepalgunj at the invitation of the Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon.

Kelai was warmly welcomed by T.S. Thakuri, founder of Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon, Chandra Bahadur Gurung, race director, and Bhim Oli, founding member of the organizing committee.

According to Race Director Gurung, Kelai is in Nepalgunj to participate as a guest runner in the Gaughat Green Run, a sister event of the Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon. He will also run alongside school students to encourage and inspire them.

John Kelai is regarded as a marathon legend, having won prestigious international races including the Mumbai Marathon (India), Enschede Marathon (Netherlands), Toronto Waterfront Marathon (Canada), Singapore Marathon, and Brussels Marathon (Belgium) between 2003 and 2010.

The Gaughat Green Run was initiated last year in Sitapur, Khajura, with the goal of educating children about the negative impacts of climate change and promoting the creation of plastic-free, eco-friendly villages. This year’s event will be held on Tuesday, October 14 (Ashoj 28) at 7 a.m., featuring competitions in four categories for boys and girls from local schools as well as open categories.

Race Director Gurung stated that around 100 participants are expected this year—up from 42 participants last year. The organizers claim that the Green Run is Nepal’s only marathon organized under a green concept.

To show solidarity with the cause, Miss Nepal World 2023, Shricha Pradhan, will also take part in the event. According to Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon founder T.S. Thakuri, Shricha’s academic background and personal interests align with the objectives of the Green Run, making her an AIMS Ambassador for the event.

On Monday, the organizers plan to facilitate an interaction program between John Kelai, Miss Nepal Shricha Pradhan, and local representatives, journalists, and community leaders.

The 11th edition of the Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon will be held on Saturday, Mangsir 6 (November 21). Registration has already opened. According to AIMS Ambassador Thakuri, this year’s marathon will provide international exposure opportunities for outstanding runners and other contributors. To support this, Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon has signed an official partnership with the world-class Bangsaen Running Series in Thailand, and similar collaborations with other marathon organizers are being explored.