A high-altitude “Red Panda Marathon” is set to take place in Ilam on Poush 1 with the aim of promoting tourism, sports, and red panda conservation. According to Ram Rimal, Program Director of the organizing body, Deepjyoti Youth Club, the marathon will begin from Ilam Bazaar and conclude at the Nepal–India border point at Sandakpur Hill. The event is being organized in collaboration with the Red Panda Network and Sandakpur Rural Municipality.
44.2 KM Extreme Marathon from 1,120m to 3,610m Altitude
Participants in both men’s and women’s categories will run 44.2 kilometers, starting from Chowk Bazaar in Ilam (1,120 meters) and ascending to Sandakpur Hill (3,610 meters). The challenging vertical gain makes it one of the toughest long-distance races in eastern Nepal. More than 100 runners from across the country, including athletes from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police, are expected to compete.
Attractive Prize Money for Winners
The organizers have announced significant prize amounts for top performers:
Open Category (Men & Women):
- 1st Place: Rs. 150,000
- 2nd Place: Rs. 100,000
- 3rd Place: Rs. 50,000
- 4th Place: Rs. 30,000
Local Category (Ilam, Panchthar, Taplejung):
- 1st Place: Rs. 25,000
- 2nd Place: Rs. 20,000
- 3rd Place: Rs. 10,000
- 4th Place: Rs. 5,000
Promoting Tourism Through Sports
“We are organizing this marathon to support infrastructure development and promote tourism in the district,” said Program Director Rimal. “We believe the event will contribute significantly to Ilam’s tourism growth.”
The marathon also aims to spread awareness about the endangered red panda, known locally as habre. According to Wangchu Bhutia, Program Director at Red Panda Network, both national and international athletes will participate to support conservation efforts.
Sandakpur Prepares for Major Tourism Event
Sandakpur Rural Municipality has already begun repairing the race route, Chairperson Tularam Gurung confirmed. “Hosting the marathon in our municipality will boost tourism not just in Sandakpur but in all of Ilam,” he said.
Sandakpur Hill, located at an elevation of 3,636 meters, is the highest point in Ilam. It is renowned for its breathtaking sunrise views and panoramic sight of the Himalayas of Nepal, India, Bhutan, and China. Earlier, the marathon had been scheduled for Bhadra 5 to mark Red Panda Day but was postponed due to heavy rainfall in the final days.
