The Red Panda Marathon, organized in Ilam to promote tourism, concluded successfully today, with Gajendra Rai winning the men’s category and Nirmala Rai emerging victorious in the women’s category. The marathon, spanning 44.2 kilometers from Ilam headquarters to the Nepal–India border at Sandakpur Hill, witnessed intense competition among participants.
Gajendra Rai completed the course in 4 hours, 12 minutes, and 10 seconds, claiming the title and a cash prize of NPR 150,000. In the women’s category, Nirmala Rai finished the marathon in 5 hours, 20 minutes, and 36 seconds, also earning the first prize of NPR 150,000.
Top Finishers and Awards
In the men’s category, Karan Rawal finished second with a time of 4 hours, 13 minutes, and 59 seconds, receiving NPR 100,000. Karna Bahadur Rokka secured third place with a timing of 4 hours, 19 minutes, and 38 seconds, taking home NPR 50,000, while Shreekash Rai, who came fourth, received NPR 30,000. All top male winners were part of the Tribhuvan Army Club team, organizers said.
In the women’s category, Sunsari Rokaya finished second in 5 hours, 40 minutes, and 39 seconds, winning NPR 100,000. Kalpama Budha secured third place and NPR 50,000, while Rajyalaxmi Shakya finished fourth, receiving NPR 30,000.
For the local category, Rajendra Myangbo claimed the title and an NPR 25,000 prize. Vishal Rai finished second with NPR 20,000, Ramesh Limbu secured third with NPR 10,000, and Tanka Ale Magar, finishing fourth, received NPR 5,000.
Marathon Participation and Route
A total of 62 male runners and 11 female runners, including members from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and participants from India, took part in the marathon. Competitors ran from Chowk Bazaar in Ilam headquarters (1,120 meters) to Sandakpur Hill (3,610 meters), challenging both endurance and stamina over steep terrain.
Organized for Tourism and Conservation
The marathon was organized by Deepjyoti Youth Club with support from the Red Panda Network, Sandakpur Rural Municipality, and Ilam Municipality. The event aims not only to promote tourism but also to support the conservation of the endangered red panda (Habre).
Tularam Gurung, Chairperson of Sandakpur Rural Municipality, emphasized that the marathon contributes to the promotion of tourism in Sandakpur and the overall development of Ilam’s tourism sector. He added that the event provides an opportunity to highlight the region’s natural beauty and ecological importance while encouraging sports and healthy competition among participants.
