The second Annapurna Herzog Trail Race was successfully held on Wednesday in Narchyang, Annapurna Rural Municipality–4 of Myagdi district, marking a major sporting event organized on the occasion of the 76th Annapurna Ascent Day.
The race was organized by Ward Office No. 4 of Annapurna Rural Municipality and covered a challenging 31.6-kilometre mountain route, starting from the Annapurna Base Camp at an altitude of 4,190 metres and concluding in Narchyang village.
Tough High-Altitude Course Across Himalayan Trails
The race began at 6:45 AM from Annapurna Base Camp and followed a demanding Himalayan route passing through Panchakunda Lake, Bhusketmela, Gufaphant, Sadhikharka, Futfute Waterfall, Humkhola, and Chotepha before finishing at Narchyang village.
Organizers said the route was designed to promote the historic Maurice Herzog trekking trail and highlight the natural beauty and adventure tourism potential of the region.
Ramesh Limbu Wins Men’s Category
In the men’s category, Ramesh Limbu of Taplejung emerged victorious, completing the 31.6-kilometre course in 2 hours, 4 minutes. His strong performance secured him the top position among competitive elite runners from across Nepal.
Man Kumar Rokka of Kathmandu secured second place with a timing of 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 11 seconds, while Arjun Kuling of Solukhumbu finished third in 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 12 seconds.
Sunsari Rokka Leads Women’s Category
In the women’s category, Sunsari Rokka of Dolpa claimed first place, completing the race in 2 hours, 47 minutes, and 16 seconds.
Puspa Sherpa of Panchthar finished second with a time of 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 7 seconds, while Nirmala Rai of Khotang secured third place in 2 hours, 53 minutes, and 30 seconds.
Competitive Participation Across Nepal
According to Man Bahadur Thapa, General Secretary of the Athletics Association Gandaki, a total of 12 male and 9 female athletes participated in the competition.
The event also featured strong participation from runners representing various districts including Solukhumbu, Rammechhap, Kathmandu, Tanahun, Jumla, Rolpa, and other parts of the country.
Cash Prizes and Awards Distributed
Winners were awarded cash prizes along with certificates. The first-place winners received NPR 125,000 each, while second-place finishers received NPR 75,000 and third-place finishers were awarded NPR 43,750. Consolation prize winners received NPR 12,500 each.
Awards were distributed by Annapurna Rural Municipality Chairperson Bharat Kumar Pun, Vice Chairperson Deewa Pun Tilija, Chief District Officer Rabindra Acharya, and Ward Chairperson Lok Bahadur Fagami.
Promoting Heritage and Adventure Tourism
Ward Member Shyam Purja of Annapurna Rural Municipality–4 stated that the race was organized with the objective of promoting the globally significant Maurice Herzog trekking route, which starts from Bensi village in Narchyang. Organizers believe that such events help promote Annapurna’s identity as a world-class destination for adventure sports, trekking, and mountain tourism, while also preserving its historical legacy.
The successful completion of the second Annapurna Herzog Trail Race has further strengthened Narchyang’s position as a rising hub for high-altitude trail running in Nepal. The event not only showcased athletic excellence but also highlighted the region’s natural beauty and growing potential in adventure tourism.
