5th Jumla Rara Ultra: Nepalese runners aiming for qualification

One week after the successful MTR event in Kathmandu, several Nepalese runners have traveled across their country to the western towns of Jumla and Rara for the 5th edition of the Jumla Rara Ultra Marathon. Organised by Karnali Sports, JRU offers a mountainous 50k course that goes up to 4000m above sea level at Chuchemara Lekh before plunging down to the Rara Lake at 2990m and the finish line. It’s a pure mountain trail, going uphill and downhill, with three significant sections: Danphe (3500m), Kavra cave, Bhulbhule (2950m) and Chuchemara (4017m).

It is not easy and it requires time to reach Jumla, but participants are treated to amazing scenery even for Nepal’s high standards. Some of the runners who performed well in Manjushree last week will be back at the starting line. For the first time, competitive Nepalese runners have the chance to qualify for the ATM Championship Final and score two ATM race finishes within their own country. Last week’s 100 miles star Arjun Rai Kulung has reportedly also made the trip to JRU so will be back in action again! The same goes for the number 3 in the 100 miles last week, Bijay Rana Magar, Milan Rai Kulung, Abinas Devkota, Furpa Singi Tamang and others. But there’s top talent in the west of Nepal, too. Last year, JRU was won by Dal Bahadur Kuwar in a fantastic finish time of 4h54’10” after a great battle with Dhir Bahadur Budha, who came in just three minutes later. Fastest woman last year was Manju Rawot in 6:06:23. It will be interesting to see what last week’s 50k winner Priya Rai can do in JRU, as well as Chhoki Sherpa - third a week ago, and Ang Furba Sherpa - second on the 100k in MTR.

Mobile connectivity may be an issue to get live updates from the race, but we do have a reporter on-site, Jeevan, so it will be worthwile to check our socials on Saturday!

Dal Bdr Kunwar, winner of JRU a year ago

Dhir Bdr Budha, second place last year

Rajya Laxmi Rawal, one of the local favourites

Priya Rai: outstanding in Manjushree Trail 50k a week ago

Already twice on ATM race podiums: Chhoki Sherpa

Winner of the 100 Miles at MTR, now he’s on the 50 at JRU!

Padam Kumari Sunuwar won the 100km a week ago

The race course between Jumla and Rara reaches significant altitudes