Manjushree Trail Race competition from today

Bhairahawa, Nov. 9

The 170-kilometer-long Manjushree Trail Race competition is announced to begin from Friday, November 10. It will last for three days, till Sunday.

This competition marks the third edition of one of the most awaited events that began seven years ago, informed the organiser of the event, Manjushree Trail Race (MTR).

The race is scheduled to commence at 6:00 am on the first day, starting from Kalu Pandey Hill in Daha Chok, Kathmandu, and spanning a challenging distance of 170 kilometres.

"Within the framework of the Manjushree Trail Race, participants have the flexibility to select from three distinct race categories, covering distances of 92 km, 54 km, and 24 km, originating from Jhule, Chapkharka, and Pharping, respectively," the organiser informed in a statement on Thursday.

These routes encompass a diverse terrain, featuring descents, ascents, and flat sections. Each of these races will culminate at the Kalu Pandey Hill in Daha Chok.

Subas Thapa, chairman of the organising committee, said that the male and female champions of the challenging 170-kilometre race will earn the opportunity to represent Nepal at the 'Ultra Tour Monte Rosa (UTMR)' event, set to occur in Switzerland in 2024.

"The UTMR stands as a renowned international race, providing trail runners a platform to showcase their talents on the global stage. The organisers have pledged cash prizes and coveted 'Adventure Gear' awards for the winners," read the statement by the MTR.

Arjun Rai from Nepal had won the previous year's race which was participated by 42 Nepali and 31 foreign runners.

The idea for this race route was initially conceived by internationally acclaimed trail runners Lissy Hawker, Seth Wolpin, and Roger Henke in 2015.

According to the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), a global organisation headquartered in France and responsible for evaluating and standardising the proficiency of trail runners on an international scale, participants who successfully complete the 'Manjushree Trail Race' are eligible to receive a six-digit rating, which is regarded as the minimum qualification for participation in international trail races.

The organisers have established 19 checkpoints along the race route that meanders through various locations, including Ramkot, Jamacho, Teenpiple, Gorje Bhanyang, Shivapuri Peak, Chisapani, Jarsing Pauwa, Nagarkot, Nalagumba, Sanga, Ranikot, Lakuri Bhanyang, Fulchoki, Lele, Bagmati Khola, Pharping, Hattiban, Chandragiri, and Chitlang, ultimately circling back to Kalu Pande Hill.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 10 November 2023.