The 6th edition of the Fishtail Race, Nepal’s fast-growing international trail-running event, concluded successfully in Pokhara with its largest-ever participation. The race, held under the towering presence of Machhapuchhre, brought together more than 275 runners from 27 countries, marking a major milestone for trail tourism in Nepal.
Organized with the theme “Below Mountains, Along Lakes,” the event showcased Pokhara’s natural beauty through specially designed routes that led runners through pristine forests, serene lakesides, and panoramic Himalayan viewpoints. Organizers declared this year’s race as the most successful edition since its inception.
A Celebration of Global Trail Running Spirit
The Fishtail Race has steadily evolved into one of the premier trail-running events in South Asia. This year’s turnout reflected its growing international stature, attracting athletes, adventure seekers, and nature lovers from around the world. The event was inaugurated in the presence of Mr. Krishna Prasad Acharya, President of TAAN Gandaki, who joined as the guest. In his remarks, he emphasized the event’s broader significance for Nepal’s tourism sector.
Speaking about the tourism impact, Krishna Prasad Acharya, President of TAAN Gandaki, said: “Events like the Fishtail Race are not just sports competitions, they are powerful tools to promote Nepal’s trail tourism globally. Pokhara has world-class trails, and bringing athletes from so many countries strengthens our image as an adventure capital. TAAN Gandaki is proud to support initiatives that connect culture, nature, and sports to uplift local tourism.”
His presence highlighted how Nepal’s trekking and trail-running culture is becoming a strong pillar for tourism revival and diversification.
Also present at the program were Mr. Taranath Pahari, President of Pokhara Tourism Council, and Mr. Himlal Baral, Ward Chairperson of Pokhara Metropolitan-22, who expressed their commitment to promoting Pokhara as a global adventure destination.
Three Categories, One Spirit: The Routes That Defined the Race
This year’s event featured 42K, 21K, and 5K categories, each offering distinct experiences yet unified by Pokhara’s magnificent landscapes.
42K Marathon
Starting at Devi’s Fall, runners ascended the World Peace Stupa, continued through Bhumdi, Thulakhet, and reached the highest point at Kaskikot (1750m). From there, the route descended via Methlang before finishing at Annapurna Garden, Khahare, a journey mixing steep climbs, ridge-line views, and technical downhill segments.
21K Half Marathon
Sharing the initial climb to the Stupa, half-marathon runners diverged toward Chankhapur, navigating forested trails and stunning Phewa Lake vistas. They rejoined the main trail at Methlang, concluding at Annapurna Garden.
5K Fun Run
A short yet scenic loop from Khahare, the 5K route climbed to Methlang (1115m) for a quick Himalayan panorama before descending to the finish line, ideal for new runners and fitness enthusiasts.
A core administration team of 7 planners worked for months on course design, logistics, and safety. On race day, 26 race officials managed 6 checkpoints and 6 water stations, ensuring smooth and safe movement for all participants.
Honoring the Champions of 2025
42K Marathon – Male
- Suman Kulung (Nepal) – 3:47:18
- Milan Kulung (Nepal) – 3:50:09
- Lokendra Rai (Nepal) – 4:18:02
- Bijay Rana Magar (Nepal) – 4:42:41
- Fynn Norwood (UK) – 5:00:31
42K Marathon – Female
- Sonya Martin (USA) – 5:28:58
- Anita Rai (Nepal) – 5:46:37
- Sofie Marie Steinkjer (Norway) – 6:17:57
- Sally Moulds (UK) – 6:37:44
- Samantha Baker (UK) – 6:42:53
21K Half Marathon – Male
- Bishal Rai (Nepal) – 2:11:10
- Riturag Rokaya (Nepal) – 2:15:47
- Oliver Reilly (Australia) – 2:25:51
- Harendra Kumar Chaudhary (Nepal) – 2:29:14
- Clayton Garrow (USA) – 2:39:17
21K Half Marathon – Female
- Lauren Burnham (Australia) – 2:43:37
- Florence Reynolds (New Zealand) – 2:44:03
- Nitu Tamang (Nepal) – 2:46:50
- Freja Thorup (Denmark) – 3:18:16
- Marilia Borges (Brazil) – 3:19:17
5K Run – Male
- Bishnu Limbu (Nepal) – 0:32:43
- Anup Gurung (Nepal) – 0:32:56
- Shreejan Moktan Tamang (Nepal) – 0:33:36
- Navhya Rai (Nepal) – 0:34:08
- Sameer Gurung (Nepal) – 0:36:35
5K Run – Female
- Josephine Mølgaard (Denmark) – 1:03:13
- Greta Hofmann (Germany) – 0:47:46
- Vaso Theiakodimitri (Greece) – 0:59:19
- Ana Ramos (Brazil) – 1:00:58
- Isabella Møller Laursen (Denmark) – 1:03:11
A Founder’s Vision Rooted in Home and Heart
The Fishtail Race is the creation of Jagannath (Jagan) Timilsina, a renowned trail runner, trekking entrepreneur, and winner of the 2017 Great Himal Race. For him, the event is deeply personal. “This event is my way of giving back to the place that made me who I am,” Jagan shared. “Pokhara has the best trails in the world. Seeing runners from 27 nations on the trails I grew up on, that is the real victory.”
Promoting Tourism Through Trails
With international participation rising every year, the Fishtail Race is emerging not only as a competitive sporting event but also as a signature tourism product of Pokhara. The synergy between sports, culture, natural beauty, and global outreach is helping the region strengthen its identity as a world-class adventure hub. As organizers and participants celebrated the event’s success, the message was clear: trail running is not just a sport, it is becoming a powerful ambassador of Nepal’s tourism identity.
