The “First Mountain Race Competition 2081” in Pokhara, scheduled for Ashwin 12 (September 28, 2024), has opened online registration for participants. Both domestic and international athletes can register for the event from Bhadra 30 to Ashwin 8, according to the event’s coordinator, Dinanath Baral. The race, organized by Pokhara Click Pvt. Ltd., aims to promote sports tourism in Pokhara, especially in Ward 22.
The 8-kilometer race is themed “Promoting Sports Tourism with the Pumdikot Mountain Race.” Athletes can conveniently fill out their registration forms online, providing their identification and address details, Baral stated. The event also includes insurance for participants, and the local community has prepared to give them a warm welcome.
The race route will begin at the World Peace Stupa in Pokhara-22, passing through the massive Mahadev statue in Pumdikot and circling back via the Buddha Park (Nigale Danda). This area has gained prominence as a tourist destination with attractions like the Peace Stupa, the Pumdikot Mahadev statue, and Buddha Park drawing increasing numbers of visitors.
Prizes for the open category winners include NPR 25,000 for first place, NPR 15,000 for second place, and NPR 7,000 for third place, along with trophies, medals, and certificates. Additionally, female athletes, U-16 participants, and the best local runner from Ward 22 will each receive NPR 7,000 and a special incentive prize.
The event aligns with two significant global celebrations: World Peace Day on September 21 and World Tourism Day on September 27. Speaking on the occasion, journalist and company president Baral mentioned that this inaugural race is being organized in connection with these international observances.
Several organizations have partnered to support the event, including the Pokhara-22 Ward Office, Pumdikot Development Committee, World Peace Stupa Committee, Buddha Park Committee, Pumdikot Mountain Lodge, Nelumbo Nepal, Nepal Veterans Athlete Forum, Kaski District Athletics Association, Sahara Club Pokhara, Auto Ways Pvt. Ltd., Glaze Drinking Water, Citizen Furniture, Baral Party Palace, S.K. Sound, Parichaya Advertising, National Dress House, District Coordination Committee Kaski, International Mountain Museum, and sports activist Bishwo Tandukar.
This collaboration highlights the growing importance of sports tourism in Pokhara, with the upcoming race serving as a significant promotional event for the region.
