The 5th edition of Jumla Rara Ultra in the west of Nepal once again showed how much raw trail running talent is hiding in some remote parts of the world. Local runners set the 50k alight with spirited runs across three stunning mountain passes on the way to the beautiful finish area at Rara Lake. Dhir Bahadur Budha grabbed victory in the men’s race, reversing positions with last year’s winner Dal Bahadur Kunwar, in a time of 4h57. Considering the elevation gain and high altitude - Chuhemara Pass is over 4000m above sea level - that is astonishing. In the women’s race, another local runner, Rajya Laxmi Rawal , reached out to victory and reached the last summit first, but she was overtaken in the last kilometers of the descent to the finish by Priya Rai - the more experienced winner of Manjushree Trail 50k just a week ago. Rai finished in 6h07, a good seven minutes ahead of Rawal.

No fewer than 14 finishers of the Manjushree Trail in Kathmandu made the very long journey to Jumla by bus. For Nepalese runners, the doubleheader was the best opportunity to score two race finishes as a minimum requirement for potential selection for the ATM Championship Final in Malaysia on 14 September (Borneo TMBT Ultra). Obviously, having completed the 100 miles or 100km at MTR was no advantage going into a 50k with highly motivated locals. Arjun Rai Kulung, Dipesh Tamang, Furpa Singi Tamang, Bijay Rana Magar, Abinas Devkota and others all focused on finishing the race. Arjun, the great 100 miles winner a week ago, suffered from stomach problems to boot and crossed the line in 29th place - no extra championship points but at least a second finish. Milan Kulung Rai had the best recovery after MTR. Fourth on the 100k in Kathmandu, eighth in JRU. Lokendra Rai was 4th on the MTR 50k, and 12th in JRU. Important points for both of them!

The Karnali Sports Club has been doing great work in the Jumla and Rara region for some years already, and with 9 out of 10 male runners in the top 10, and 5 in the female top 10 they had big reasons to celebrate. Priya Rai had to dig deep to get her second victory in a week, using her racing craft and experience to make that happen. Rajya Laxmi Rawal finishing just seven minutes later was proof her incredible talent. Also third -placed Anita Budha raised eyebrows finishing some 25 minutes behind Priya. That was 25 minutes ahead of Chhoki Sherpa, for example. Priya Rai and Chhoki Sherpa also scored their qualification for the ATM Finals. And so did Padam Kumari Sunawar, winner of the 100k at MTR, and Ang Furba Sherpa, third on the 100 Miles at MTR!

Apart from the individual chances, Team Nepal could be a favourite for this season’s ATM Team Championship. Of course, getting everyone to actually run in Malaysia is a first major hurdle to overcome next.

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

The 3rd edition of The Manjushree Trail in Kathmandu, Nepal, was a great trail running festival with a bright future ahead. Part of the Asia Trail Master Championship series for the first time, MTR saw some amazing runs by especially local trail talents of whom we are bound to hear more in the forthcoming weeks and months. With three points race on the programme, 100miles, 100km and 50km, there were quite a lot of race protagonists. Arguably standing out were Arjun Rai Kulung as the faster-than-ever winner of the men’s 100 miles after a great battle with the UK’s surprising Alistair Masson, and Priya Rai winning and finishing ahead of reigning ATM Champion Rashila Tamang on the women’s 50km.

The 100 Miles started already on Friday morning at around sunrise. Last year’s winner Arjun Rai Kulung and his expected challenger Ramesh Limbu were quickest in the first few hours, with Alistair Masson and Roland Hunter chasing them. In the women’s competition, two runners immediately took command and would continue to do for the whole race: Anita Rai and Nirmala Rai. The very young (U24) Ang Furba Sherpa and UK’s Sally Moulds were the other two brave women on the Miler, and they would also finish as third and fourth. Saturday daytime turned out to be more hot and humid than anticipated, affecting many runners. Ramesh Limbu suffered the most, and would eventually even DNF with dehydration signs. Arjun appeared in control, but was probably also surprised when - after taking a nap at CP 12 on Saturday night - he found out that Alistair Masson was already quite a long way further up the trail around the Kathmandu Valley Rim. It added spice to the race, the more because as far as anyone could tell, Masson was an unknown entity on the 100 miles and even more so in Nepal. Arjun Rai Kulung kept his head cool and composed and managed to bridge the gap to Masson in the early morning at CP14. Moreover, Arjun felt he could still beat his best time set last year and pushed on to victory in 26h52. Masson was unable to follow that pace, yet finished a great second about one-and-a-half hours later. In the battle for third, Hunter still got caught by Bijay Magar and even lost the podium in the final kilometers by a mere two minutes. Next was Nirmala Rai, who outpaced Anita Rai towards the end to win the women’s race in 34h34’. The gap at the finish was just over one hour.

The 100km was dominated by Man Kumar Rokka Magar in 14h45. Furpa Singi Tamang took second two hours later, and Abinash Devkota third a few minutes afterwards. The women’s 100km went to Padam Kumari Sunwar in a narrow finish with (another) Anita Rai .

The medium distance of 50km had a tight race in the men’s, won eventually by Harilal Singh ahead of Nimsang Limboo in 7h17. Dipesh Tamang was the third man on the podium in 8h04.

The women’s 50km had a pleasant surprise before the start as reigning ATM Champion Rashila Tamang, who is also involved in the event management team of Manjushree Trail, decided to have a go at it. Rashila injured her thigh muscle in the dying moments of Lantau 70 in Hong Kong a few weeks ago and was still plastered up. Nevertheless, she had a more than decent run to secure her wild card for this season’s ATM Championship Final (former champions receive a wild card as soon as they finish 2 ATM races in the current season regardless of race results). Not being at her best level, she had to settle for second place, however, as Priya Rai turned out to be too powerful last weekend. Priya is not unknown on the international scene and was also a training mate of Hau Ha last year, but MTR 50 was her debut in our ATM series. A debut in great style, finishing fifth overall and 50 minutes ahead of Rashila Tamang and Chhoki Sherpa, the latter scoring her second ATM podium after Koboi Malaya Classic in Malaysia a year ago.

Several of Nepal’s competitive runners will now make the long transfer to the west of their country, in order to take part in the 50km race Jumla Rara Ultra next weekend. In order to qualify for the ATM Championship Final, runners must finish two ATM races as a minimum requirement.

Priya Rai made a fantastic ATM debut, winning the 50km ahead of Rashila Tamang and Chhoki Sherpa

Still visibly ‘damaged’ from Lantau 70, Rashila Tamang nevertheless managed to take 2nd place and obtain her wild card for this season’s ATM Championship Final as reigning champion

Arjun Rai Kulung had a bit of a challenge from Alistair Masson and initially Ramesh Limbu, but won the 100 miles in a new course record time

The surprise of the day on the 100 Miles: UK’s Alistair Masson

Anita Rai and Nirmala Rai dominated the female 100miles. Nirmala scored the win, eventually

Padam Kumari was a convincing winner of the female 100km race

Man Kumar won the men’s 100km

Starting on Friday morning, trail runners will be competing along the famous Kathmandu Valley ridge line during the third edition of the Manjushree Trail Race, an event that is quickly gaining reputation and developing itself as the main international trail event in Nepal. Riding the wave of Rashila Tamang’s popular victory in last year’s Asia Trail Master Championship, the ‘MTR’ is also the first Nepalese points race in ATM since 2018’s Ultra Trail Nepal. Participants can score points on the 100 Miles, 100km or 50km in their attempt to qualify for this year’s ATM Final in Malaysia on 14 September. Runners aiming for Grandmaster points of course need to focus on the 100km or 100 miles only.

The MTR 100 miler looks very appealing to ultra distance enthusiasts. As the official website says: ‘The race route takes runners along the famous Kathmandu valley rim ridge line and across the seven peaks that surround the valley. As part of this, the racecourse also crosses the two national park (Nagarjun and Shivapuri) that border the valley. Over 85% of the route is single track, where it sometimes takes hours before runners come across a little settlement. Even though you are technically still within the Kathmandu valley, you will feel like you are far away from urbanization many times during the race.’ Looking at the course map, you see one big natural loop that measures 175 kilometres (so it’s actually longer than 100 miles). The names of the seven peaks are Jamacho, Shivapuri, Nagarkot, Pulchowki, Champadevi, Basmandur and Chandragiri. It’s a clean oval loop, but with a total elevation gain of over 12000hm, this is a race runners need to be physically and mentally prepared for. The race starts on Friday early morning and the cut-off time at the finish will be reached after 52 hours.

There’s quite a few runners taking up this challenge, mostly Nepalese themselves. We are bound to get to know some new names this weekend. But also familiar ATM competitors such as 4-star Grandmaster Masafumi Yamamoto, 2022 ATM Final qualifier Thang Huu Hoang from Vietnam and Indonesia’s 2023 ATM Finalist Qheiza Wiranda Edelwise feature on the start list of the ‘miler’.

As always, more people consider the 100km or 50km enough for their liking and we will see larger fields with a number of well-known Asian and Asia-based runners. Hong Kong’s Fuk Cheung Tsang and USA’s Chris Miller have had great results in ATM races before. Singapore’s Vincere Zeng is a double ATM Finalist and Himalaya mountain lover per excellence. On the 50km she will be up against Priya Rai , who until recently was a teammate and training partner of 2022 ATM Champion Hau Ha. Being neighbours to Nepal, we also find a lot of runners from India on the start list, including those who did well in Malnad Ultra in Karnatika, the ATM points race near Bangalore in November.

As of Friday morning, you can follow the action with our multimedia coverage live from Kathmandu, provided to us by Adventure III. As usual, tune in to ATM Facebook for ‘first news’, highlights will also appear on our ATM Instagram and ATM YouTube.

Follow the action as of Friday via our usual channels, with live updates via ATM Facebook

This is a natural 100 Miles course

Indonesia’s Qheiza Wiranda Edelwise will be in action in Nepal this weekend

Singapore’s Vincere Zeng is no stranger to Nepal and the Himalaya. She climbed Everest last year

Jumla Rara Ultra is the second Nepalese event on our ATM Championship calendar this season taking place the weekend after The Manjushree Trail. The 5th edition of this event is set for Saturday, 13 April and keeps the exciting A to B course to the Rara Lake, measuring just under 50km. Organised by Karnali Sports, JRU and the organising team of MTR are collaborating to facilitate transportation and overall logistics for runners aiming to attend both events. Jumla Rara Ultra is set on the other side of Nepal in the west, a region considered a ‘hidden gem’ by people and adventurers familiar with the region. The JRU event has been establised to boost adventure sports and tourism in this remote part of the country, as well as to provide local athletes with an opportunity to shine and attract national and regional attention.

The Jumla Rara Ultra starts from Jumla bazaar at an altitude of 2305m, and finishes at the Rara lake higher up at 2990m above sea level. The course is officially measured at 49 km. The course is undulating nonstop, but there are three steeper and distinct peaks with Danphe (3500m), Kavra cave, Bhulbhule (2950m) and Chuchemara (4017m). For international runners, having spent the weekend before in Kathmandu for the MTR event will clearly be a bonus to be adjusted to the high altitude of especially the Chuchemara pass.

The 4th edition of the event was an official ATM Candidate Race in 2023, won by Dal Bdr Kunwar in 4:54:10, just three minutes ahead of second-placed Dhir Bdr Budha. The women’s race went to Manju Rawot in 6:06:23.

We are very happy to announce that The Manjushree Trail Race and Jumla Rara Ultra in Nepal have been added to the 2024 Asia Trail Master Championship calendar on back-to-back weekends in early April. It is the first time since 2018 trail runners can score points for our ATM Championship in Nepal, and a logistical cooperation between the two events will even make it feasible to run both races in one trip to the Himalayan country. The Manjushree Trail Race takes place near country capital Kathmandu and on the famous Kathmandu Valley Rim, whereas the Jumla Rara Ultra event is set in the far west of Nepal, from Jumla to the Rara Lake - considered a hidden gem. Race dates are 5/6 April and 13 April , respectively.

For more on Jumla Rara Ultra, please go and read here

The 3rd edition of the Manjushree Trail Race event features four race distance categories, of which the 100 Miles, 100 km and 55km offer points for the ATM Championship ranking. Runners aiming for Grandmaster points of course need to focus on the 100km or 100 miles only. The 100 miler is a special one here and not only because it’s the only real one in Nepal. As the official website says: ‘The race route takes runners along the famous Kathmandu valley rim ridge line and across the seven peaks that surround the valley. As part of this, the racecourse also crosses the two national park (Nagarjun and Shivapuri) that border the valley. Over 85% of the route is single track, where it sometimes takes hours before runners come across a little settlement. Even though you are technically still within the Kathmandu valley, you will feel like you are far away from urbanization many times during the race.’ Looking at the course map, you see one big natural loop that measures 175 kilometres (so it’s actually longer than 100 miles). The names of the seven peaks are Jamacho, Shivapuri, Nagarkot, Pulchowki, Champadevi, Basmandur and Chandragiri. Total elevation gain is estimated at over 12000hm, meaning this is a race you need to be physically and mentally prepared for. The race starts on Friday early morning and the cut-off time at the finish will be reached after 52 hours.

The MTR 100 km and 55km races will have different start and finish locations along the same route as the 100 miler. The 100km will have an evening start and has a cut-off time of 26 hours, which considering the overall altitude and elevation gain is indeed quite tight. Note that pacers are allowed for the 100k participants from the start till dawn the next morning. Details can be obtained via the very informative official MTR website. The 55km race will start at 7am in the early morning on Saturday and finish 16 hours later. As much as a running competition, MTR will be an adventure and provide people with a lifetime of memories.

Where does the name Manjushree comes from? The website exlains: ‘The Kathmandu Valley Rim 100 miler is named after the god Manjushree. According to the legend, It is believed that Manjushree arrived at the edge of the valley while being on a pilgrimage, encountering a large lake that once filled the valley. Upon arrival, the god saw a lotus flower in the centre of the lake, which emitted brilliant radiance. Having walked around the valley rim, the god reached Chovar, where Manjushree used its flaming sword to cut a gorge, allowing the lake to drain and the Kathmandu valley to appear. The place where the lotus flower settled became allegedly became the Swayambhunath Stupa and with the valley being no longer under water, it became habitable and Kathmandu was founded. This has left Manjushree in a way to be the patron of the valley and to leave tales of the route the god walked before cleaving the rim and allowing the land to emerge. There are different opinions on what the exact route is that Manjushree travelled and so the Manjushree trail race is in no way trying to exactly replicate this or claiming to be a pilgrimage in anyway. Rather than that, it is inspired by the legend and therefore has chosen to honor this in its name and logo.’

This event has not suddenly emerged from nowhere. MTR is the result of years of work by trail pioneers even including international stars such as Lizzy Hawker and Seth Wolphin. Also. our reigning female Asia Trail Master Champion Rashila Tamang is a proud member of the MTR Team. The 2024 edition is already the third and the previous two have received widespread praise.

You can find all details on the event via the official website, as well as the registration facilities. Please note that after the event, transportation will be organised for local and international runners to travel to West Nepal for the Jumla Rara Ultra 50km race the weekend after on Saturday, 13 April.

The 4th edition of the Jumla Rara Ultra Marathon event in the west of Nepal delivered two great race winners who both broke the course record in their respective male and female categories. Dal Bdr Kunwar covered the 49km race in 4:54:10, just three minutes ahead of second-placed Dhir Bdr Budha. Third place on the podium went to Sher Bdr Budha in 5:08:41, indicating a tight and highly competitive race.

In the women’s race the different was clearer as Manju Rawot came into the finish in 6:06:23, a solid 48 minutes ahead of Ganana Bhandari. Anita Budha completed the podium a short while later.

The Jumla Rara Ultra obtained the ATM Candidate Race label and is aiming to enter the ATM Championship calendar in 2024. If so, it would be the first Nepali race in our Championship since 2018. The event takes place in a stunningly beautiful setting in the west of the country, which also makes it remote and far from capital city Kathmandu. It is organised by the Karnali Sports Club, which is determined to assist talented youngsters in gaining sporting experiences and develop their skills for potential international competitions later on.

Male winner Dal Bdr Kunwar

female winner Manju Rawat

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.

Runners may encounter snow along the course to the lake

 

It may be strange that an ultra trail event is being organised on a Tuesday, but there is a very good reason for that. Tomorrow, 25 April, it is exactly two years ago that Nepal got struck by a massive earthquake  that killed at least 9000 people and injured 22,000. Entire communities in and around capital city Kathmandu were destroyed or at least cut-off from the rest of the world for many days. Ultra Trail Nepal is set up by Som Tamang who lost his own brother in the disaster, and is a non-profit event to help Batase and neighbouring communities with the rebuilding and relieve efforts. You can read about Som's remarkable story in our Talking Trail Running episode from not so long ago. 

UT Nepal is set to stay and determined to become a fixed appointment on the trail running and the Asia Trail Master Championship calendar. This year the longest race covers a respectable 85 km - so all finishers also score a point for the Grandmaster Quest - and is essentially a run from Kathmandu to Batase. 

The race begins in the tourist district of Thamel, in the heart of Kathmandu. It then heads into the Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve, and then to Chisopani (2300m) where it joins the main trekking route to Helambu and Langtang. From there it goes downhill to Patybanjyang, where you will experience some great views of the Himalayas. From Patybanjyang you will follow the main Helambu trekking route to Thankuni, from there you will follow the trail to Batase Village.

Kim Matthews

Nepal has many strong trail runners and they will be starting as favourites for the inaugural event. Samir Tamang is well-known on the international circuit and arguably is the man to beat. In the women's, however, Australian Kim Matthews is certainly one of the big favourites. Matthews won the UTKC 70 race in Thailand in February and showed great speed in that race. Another fine result now in Nepal would bring her into the mix for the ATM Championship honours. As she lives in Thailand, she will feature in more ATM races this season, too. 

Ultra Trail Nepal is a much-anticipated new entry in the Asia Trail Master championship series this year. The spring time version of this event takes place on 25 April - a Tuesday - and that is on purpose. On that day it will be precisely two years ago since Batase and the wider Kathmandu region was struck by a shattering earthquake that demolished villages and brought immense suffering to lots of local communities, many of which were cut-off from the rest of the world for days. UT Nepal has been set up to help get people back on their feet, and aid with the reconstruction and relief efforts. Som Tamang has been the driving force behind the UT Nepal organisation, which also had a 'winter version' last January. While now living in Australia, Som was born in Batase Village and was personally affected by the earthquake. His remarkable story is one of devastation and heartache, but also of inspiration and hope. Two things he very much conveys to his native community today, and UT Nepal is just one element of that. As the event date is coming closer, we recently were talking trail running with Som Tamang.    

By K. Van de Velde

Q: Where were you born and did you grow up ?
ST: I was born in Batase Village, in the Sindhupalchowk district of Nepal. Batase is on the edge of Langtang National Park and is a traditional village. Until the Earthquake hit Nepal, everyone was living in mud homes. the people of Batase are mainly farmers, living off the land

What do you do for a living?
I own a Fair Trade store in Cairns, Australia. I import handmade items from Nepal, and where possible I sell items made by people from my village. Along with my wife, I also run a company called "Take on Nepal", we take groups of volunteers to Nepal where they volunteer in remote village schools. I also take groups on trekking expeditions to some of the most popular parts of Nepal.

What made you move to Australia?
I moved to Australia in search of an education. I was able to attend school up until the age of 10 in Nepal and then I was forced to leave my village. i went to Kathmandu where I became a child slave for a wealthy family. I then became a street seller and eventually a porter and a trekking guide. I received sponsorship to come to Australia where I began my studies and in 2014 I graduated from University with a Bachelor of Creative Industries. I was the first person from my village to achieve.

How would you compare Nepal with Australia when you think of its citizens? 
Australia gave me opportunities that I never imagined were possible for a poor boy from Nepal. The people are amazing and have shown their kindness and compassion through supporting my humanitarian projects. Many Australians come to visit the people of my village and it shows that there are more similarities than differences between both cultures, we are all human and we try to be good people.

How did you get involved with running?
The Earthquake that destroyed Nepal in 2014 had a huge personal impact on me. My 24 year brother was killed as were many other people from my district. Every home in my village was destroyed. I came into contact with Samir Tamang, Samir is an accomplished trailrunner from Nepal. I started helping his village which was also destroyed by the Earthquake and through spending so much time with him, I started to develop a strong interest in trail running. I started running long distances and realised that it was helping to relieve the emotional pain and stress that I felt from the damage caused by the Earthquake. Once I hit the trails, my stress started to leave my body and this felt great. I then introduced trail running to the other villagers, who also recognised the benefits of running. 

What has been your biggest achievement as a runner yourself?
My biggest achievement has been to introduce the benefits of trail running to others and to then begin organising races in Nepal. I am not out to be a champion, I am doing it for the benefits and the connection to nature. Another achievement has been the hugely successful trail running events that I have organised in Nepal; many local and international trail runners have loved running in the mountains in my beautiful country.

Do you have any sports idols, athletes you look up to?
Samir Tamang is undoubtedly Nepal's best trail runner. He inspires me and motivates me, Samir is also a really great person, with a big heart. Lizzy Hawker is another athlete that I look up to, her achievements are unmatched; she shows true grit and determination in her ability to be the worlds greatest endurance runner. Lizzy is an inspiration to the village girls of Nepal who Lizzy supports and trains.

Do you often take part in trail races yourself?
Yes! I participate in races in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. I do this for enjoyment and participate whenever I can. As a race organiser, i am often too caught up with networking at other events to be able to participate.

In a nutshell, how would you describe UT Nepal? 
Ultra Trail Nepal, in my opinion, is a race that will appeal to anyone who is happy to challenge themselves and to humbled by the highest peaks in the world. UTN is unique, our runners pass through traditional villages and get a true understanding of the culture and the people of Nepal. UTN provides our local, talented runners with the opportunity to run with international runners, this is a rare opportunity in Nepal. UTN also aims to empower young women to hit the trails through providing running gear, support and entry into the race.

Is it a race that basically any runner can do, or do you need to have sufficient trail experience? 
This race is perfect for everyone! We encourage people of all ages and experience to participate. the trail is well marked with plenty of support along the way to ensure a successful outcome for everyone. Trail experience will of course allow the runner an easier and more enjoyable experience, we do recommend that you train well before participating.

When will you be a happy organiser? 
I will be happy when we can support our Nepali runners to race internationally, when the event is as popular as the big events in Europe, US and Australia, and when we have over 3000 runners running through our mountain villages who are gaining an understanding of the issues faced by the average person in Nepal. I also want to be able to fund the rebuilding of villages along the trails which has been affected badly by the Earthquake.

What would you advise for international runners who come to join UT Nepal in April?                 Do not have any expectations, come with an open mind and heart; this will ensure a positive experience for you. The trails are challenging but the rewards are greater. 

Two years after the big earthquake, how has reconstruction been going? 
The reconstruction is slow, most people are still living in corrugated iron shelters. Most schools have not yet been rebuilt. The country has a very long way to go to rebuild. I am the founder of the not for profit organistion "Friends of Himalayan Children Inc." and through our fundraising efforts, we have been able to assist in caring for 40 children who were left disadvantaged after the Earthquake. The charity also pays the wages of school teachers. In the wake of the Earthquake, we provided remote villages with a huge amount of emergency relief. 

How has the quake affected the spirit of the people?
The Earthquake has caused a huge amount of emotional turmoil for the people affected. My own Mother fell into a deep sadness and is only recently feeling better to cope. The people of Nepal are by nature resilient, life was tough before the Earthquake and now they have had maintain their strength to get through this difficult time. Everyone who visits Nepal are always taken by the kindness of the people of Nepal, and the Earthquake hasn't changed that.

How important is running for the Nepalese? Is it a big sport in media?  
Trail running is not a big sport in the media, the people of Nepal are naturally built for trail running but due to a lack of information and exposure to the sport, they are unaware of it. Ultra Trail Nepal is working hard at a governmental level, for trail running to be recognised as a sport in Nepal.  

What is the influence Mira Rai has had, and are there any potential successors?
Mira Rai is an amazing role model to many young girls in Nepal. Mira visited Batase as a guest at our first UTN event, she inspired our young people to get involved. There are many potential successors and we are working hard to provide them with the opportunities to gain much needed exposure to trail running events around the world. 

Can Nepalese runners in trail running become the equivalent of Kenyans and Ethiopeans on the track and road? What is needed to arrive at that situation? 
Absolutely! Due to our genetic make up, we are naturally built for running amongst the mountains! I strongly believe that Nepalese runners can dominate the trail running scene. What is needed is the correct training support which includes access to required nutrition, sports equipment and opportunities to challenge themselves in international events. Most people in Nepal are living in poverty, this prevents potential champions from being able to fulfill their potential and through UT Nepal, we want to support our runners to achieve their goals.

How do you see the future development of trail running in Nepal?
I recently met with the Minister of Sport in Nepal, he attended our last UT Nepal event; this is to provide him with an understanding of the sport in the hope of having a trail running association in Nepal in the near future. I am working hard on this one!

Running, and trail running, has seen a boom in popularity. Can the same be said about Australia?    
Trail running is becoming very popular in Australia. UTA is a huge event which attracts runners from all over the world. This event inspired me to start events in Nepal. It is nice to see more people getting off the roads and into natural environments!

Many athletics federations in Asia do not recognise trail running as a genuine discipline.How is this in Australia? 
I believe that Australia still have a long way to go in comparison to Europe. Australia does have a trail running association and we have many talented ultra runners who are not recognised by the media for their amazing achievements. I think within 10 years this will change!

What do you think of the Asia Trail Master series?
The Asia Trail Master series is fantastic, the concept of bringing all of the races together to culminate into a championship is amazing. We feel very excited and proud to be involved with the Asia Trail Master Series. The organiser, Kris Van Der Velde is a great organiser and also a wonderful humanitarian, he provides opportunities to people who are often in a position not to participate in such events.

What is your favourite piece of running music?
Would you believe that I don't listen to music when I run?!! I love tuning into my natural environment when I am running! When I'm not running, I love listening to the music of U2, my Irish wife influenced me there!

We are happy to announce the next event in our 2017 Asia Trail Master preview, and it is a new entry as well: Ultra-Trail Nepal joins our series on 24 April 2017! This memorial race will take place the day before the anniversary of the 2015 Earthquake that caused so much devastation and loss of life in Nepal and in the Batase region close to Kathmandu. The Ultra-Trail Nepal's slogan is clear: Run for Recovery. All profits raised from the event will go back into the community to assist with the Earthquake Rebuilding effort. 

The event is the result of the friendship between local (and international) running star Samir Tamang and Som Tamang, who hails from Batase Village. Technically it is organised  by Batase Trails and Take on Nepal — the Nepal and Australian arms of Som's organisation. Som has great experience in organising major events, from trail runs in Nepal to large fundraising events and community events in Australia, where he lives most of the year in Cairns. 

Ultra-Trail Nepal takes place in the Sindhupalchowk district of Nepal where the devastation caused by the Earthquake on 25 April 2015 is still very raw. The villagers are still living in challenging conditions and many are grieving the loss of family members. Ultra-Trail Nepal aims to provide much needed support to the people of this district and to provide them with opportunities to move forward.

Money raised will be used for:

• Building drinking water facilities along the trails.
• Maintaining roads and trails for villagers to be able to access facilities.
• Supporting village Schools along the trails of which you will be running.
• Supporting local runners to achieve their dreams of racing nationally and internationally
• Rebuilding homes for villagers who are most vulnerable as a result of loss from the Earthquake.

The race is confirmed for 55 km but is projected to become 70 km in length, which in the context of the Asia Trail Master series means it will qualify also for 1 point in the Grandmaster Quest. It will begin in Kathmandu at an altitude of 1400m on the outskirts of Shivapuri National Park and will enter through the Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve. The route climbs to 2500m, then it heads down the ridge through a forest of oaks and rhododendron to Chisopani. Continuing downhill to Patybanjyang, where you will experience some great views of the Himalayas. The lowest point of the race will be 830m above sea level. From Patybanjyang you will follow the main Helambu trekking route to Thankuni, from there you will follow the trail to Batase Village (at 1800m altitude).

The surrounding scenery on this ultra trail run is breathtaking, and you will look across a vast valley and see rice fields, villages and people going about their daily lives in rural Nepal.You will be running through villages that have been devastated by the Earthquake. With help from Friends of Himalayan Children, the organisers are working hard to rebuild the lives of the people in this district. Your participation in this event will be of enormous benefit to the villagers of Nepal.

If you cannot attend the race but would still like to support our projects through making a donation, please visit “Friends of Himalayan Children”.

More technical details will be made available in the course of October and the online registration is projected to open in January 2017. But you can start planning your trip to Kathmandu already, and read more background on the organiser's official website. 

Preliminary 2017 Asia Trail Master calendar

* more races will be added in due course

14/01/17 - Thailand - The Dirt Track
22/01/17 - Indonesia - Tahura Trail
29/01/17 - Philippines - Rizal Mountain Run
17-18/02/17 - Thailand - UT Unseen Koh Chang - SUPERTRAIL
25-26/02/17 - Brunei - Beach Bunch Trail Challenge
04-05/03/17 - Philippines - Cordillera Mountain Ultra
23/04/17 - South Korea - Korea 50k
24/04/17 - Nepal - Ultra-Trail Nepal - Run for Recovery