The fifth edition of the Annapurna Marathon is all set to take place on Jestha 20 (June 3, 2025), commemorating the 75th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Annapurna I (8,091 meters) by the French expedition team led by Maurice Herzog on June 3, 1950. In celebration of this historic feat, the marathon is being organized as a “Diamond Jubilee Festival.”
Organized by the Annapurna Century Tourism Committee, the marathon will begin from the Annapurna Base Camp at an altitude of 4,130 meters and conclude at the sports ground of Meshram Baraha Secondary School in Ghandruk. The race will follow a rugged trail passing through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, Dobhan, Bamboo, Chhomrong, Kimrong Khola, and Uri, offering a challenging yet scenic route for participants.
Annapurna Marathon 2082
At a press conference held in Pokhara, the organizers revealed that this year’s marathon will cover a full marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers. The technical management of the race will be handled by Ultimate Adventure Nepal, with the goal of elevating the event to the international stage. Lalit Gurung, the committee’s president and marathon coordinator, shared that meticulous preparations are underway to ensure the event’s success.
Separate competition categories have been arranged for male and female runners. So far, 60 participants, including 10 international athletes, have registered for the race. The registration fee for both male and female categories has been set at NPR 7,000.
Winners of the competition will receive attractive cash prizes. The first-place winner will be awarded NPR 150,000, the second-place finisher will receive NPR 100,000, and the third-place athlete will take home NPR 75,000.
This year’s edition also introduces several special awards to enhance competitiveness and promote local engagement. Among the new additions, the top-performing runner from Annapurna Rural Municipality will be awarded a special local prize. Additionally, the top finisher from Gandaki Province will also be honored. Female participants who have competed in the marathon for three consecutive editions will receive a special encouragement award in recognition of their dedication.
Furthermore, international participants have not been overlooked. The top-performing foreign athlete in both the men’s and women’s categories will receive a special incentive award, encouraging broader international participation in the future.
One of the most anticipated moments of this year’s event is the “Diamond Jubilee Award,” which will be presented to the runner who finishes in the 75th position, in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Annapurna I summit. This unique award adds symbolic value to the race, reminding participants of the historic legacy of mountaineering in the region.
In conjunction with the marathon, the “Annapurna Journalism Award 2082” will also be presented. This award recognizes contributions made by journalists in promoting tourism and mountaineering in the Annapurna region.
Organizers have estimated the total budget for the event at around NPR 3.8 million. Financial and logistical support is being sourced from various institutions, including Annapurna Rural Municipality, Nepal Tourism Board, Pokhara Metropolitan City, Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Gandaki Province Sports Council, TAAN Gandaki, and several tourism committees and private sector organizations.
To manage the event efficiently, a 501-member main organizing committee and 13 subcommittees have been formed. According to coordinator Gurung, approximately 90% of the preparations have been completed, ensuring smooth execution on the day of the event.
The Annapurna Marathon is more than just a competitive sporting event; it is a celebration of the rich mountaineering heritage of Nepal and a promotion of adventure tourism in the heart of the Himalayas. As the marathon marks the Diamond Jubilee of the Annapurna I ascent, it serves as a bridge between the legendary mountaineers of the past and the passionate runners and trekkers of the present.
With increased participation from both national and international athletes, the marathon is expected to shine a spotlight on the Annapurna region, boost local economies, and reinforce Nepal’s global reputation as a premier destination for adventure tourism.
