Nepalgunj / The Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon has entered into a partnership agreement with Malaysia’s renowned SCORE Marathon, one of the leading marathon events celebrating its decade-long journey in Malaysia.
According to Race Director Chandra Bahadur Gurung, the collaboration aims to promote mutual brotherhood and cultural as well as technical exchange between the two marathon organizations.
The agreement was formally signed by Patricia Tan, Founder and CEO of SCORE Sports Management, and T.S. Thakuri, Founder and President of Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon. The initial agreement is for five years, with provisions for renewal and necessary modifications in the future.
President Thakuri, who also serves as the Nepal Ambassador for the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), said,
“SCORE Marathon is among Malaysia’s top three marathons, recognized as a world-class road race with over 40,000 participants annually. This partnership will provide Nepali runners, officials, and volunteers with valuable exposure and learning opportunities from an international-level event. Our goal is to empower youth and develop skilled professionals for Nepal’s marathon and sports sector.”
The collaboration is also expected to promote Nepal’s running events in the international market and contribute to tourism growth. Under the agreement, runners, officials, and volunteers recommended by the Nepalgunj Marathon will receive registration and hospitality support to participate in the SCORE Marathon series in Malaysia and Singapore. Similarly, participants from SCORE will receive the same privileges at Nepalgunj Marathon events.
The Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon has been held continuously for the past 11 years, alongside its sister events — Nepalgunj 10 Night Run, Gaughat Green Run, Rapti Sonari Nature Run, Karnali Half Marathon, and Kathmandu 25K Heritage Race. Additionally, the Nepal International Running Conference was launched last year and will continue annually.
The Gaughat Green Run and Rapti Sonari Run have already completed their second editions, while the AIMS-certified Nepalgunj 10 Night Run — postponed due to recent unrest — will be rescheduled after the Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon on Mangsir 6 (November 21). The Kathmandu 25K Heritage Race is scheduled for May 1, preceded by the second edition of the Nepal International Running Conference.
SCORE Marathon CEO Patricia Tan expressed her enthusiasm, stating,
“This collaboration will strengthen the friendship between two organizers, two cities, and two nations. We look forward to welcoming Nepali participants to Malaysia with open arms.”
Previously, the Nepalgunj Marathon had also signed a similar collaboration with Thailand’s Bangsaen Marathon — a World Class Elite Level (Bangsaen 42 & Bangsaen 10) and Platinum Level (Bangsaen 21) event.