Dhira Bahadur Budha and Kalpana Budha reign in Jumla Rara Ultra

The 7th edition of Jumla Rara Ultra in remote western Nepal was held in sunny conditions and saw Kalpana Budha take her second consecutive victory at the age of barely 18. In the men’s 54km race, Dhira Bahadur Budha was quickest also for the second time after 2024. Both trail runners are locals, but given the strength of the competition it remains a strong acccomplishment underlying their natural talent. Dhira Bahadur Budha and Kalpana Budha were already leading the race at the highest mountain pass of the day, Chuchhemara, before the descent to Rara Lake.

The winning time was 6h09’08” . Homlal Sheshtra came second just two minutes later. Sheshtra was also second in The Manjushree Trail Race 50km last month. In third place on the men’s podium was the winner of MTR 50, Gopal Tamang in 6h13, showing how tight it was at the front. Chandra Rawat was fourth in 6h24 and Milan Rai fifth in 6h27.

Kalpana’s winning time was 7h07’12”, eleven minutes ahead of MTR 50 race winner Sunsari Rokaya. Quite a turnaround from a month ago, when Rokaya was far ahead and Budha suffered from muscle cramps. Sandeva Budha once again managed to get on the podium as well in third place with 7h38. Showing progress, as she ended the race ahead of Rajya Laxmi Rawal, who was second in MTR 50. Puspa Sherma was fifth, and 100 miles specialist Nirmala Rai sixth. Incidentally, the MTR 100 Miles race winner Ang Furba Sherpa came eighth.