Jumla Rara in Nepal is a new ATM Candidate!
We are happy to announce a new ATM Candidate Race in Nepal: the 4th edition of Jumla Rara Ultra Marathon takes place in the northwestern part of the Himalayan country on Monday (!), 24 April. On the programme is a daytime 50km race from A to B, at high altitude with accumulated elevation gain of approx 3900 hm. In other words: a race for mountain goats, of course unsurprising for Nepal.
The event has been set up by Karnali Sports, a non-profit organisation that aims to nurture local running talent - and sports talent in general, as well as turn the Jumla area into a high-altitude training center for athletes. This year’s edition on 24 April is already the 4th, and international trail runners are now kindly encouraged to come to Nepal and take part.
The race starts from Jumla bazaar at an altitude of 2305m (i.e. please allow for some acclimatisation time when you travel here), and finishes at the Rara lake at 2990m. The race course is measured at 49 km, and is basically uphill and downhill all the way with a few distinct points of note: Danphe at 3500m, Kavra Cave, Bhulbhule at 2950m and Chuchemara at 4017m. Yes, 4017m above sea level! A very interesting but definitely challenging mountain trail course, and runners from outside Nepal must be aware of the very high altitudes and allow for some days to get used to them before taking the start of the race. Moreover, be prepared for snow as well.
Rara is the largest lake in Nepal, and the multiday trekking from Jumla to the lake is a popular backpacker activity for travellers who like to explore nature off-the-beaten-track.
On the website, linked below, you can find details of how-to-get-there from Kathmandu. Options are long distance busses or a domestic flight. There’s also a recommended itinerary for 7 days mentioned as an example, including time to acclimatise.
The event takes place soon already, so early decision-making is required.