The Trishuli Ultra–2025, a prestigious trail running competition organized by the Nepal Adventure Running Federation, saw a remarkable demonstration of athletic prowess as Nepal Army secured dominance in both the men’s and women’s categories. The event, held on Saturday, took place across a challenging 58-kilometer route, beginning at Niranjana Bhagwati Temple in Belkotgadhi Municipality-10 and concluding at Jalapadevi Temple in Bidur-5.
The men’s race was marked by an outstanding performance from Homlal Shrestha of the Army Club, who claimed first place by completing the race in 4 hours and 33 minutes. Gopal Tamang, also from Nepal Army, followed closely in second place with a time of 4 hours and 35 minutes. Arjunraj Kulung from Solukhumbu finished third, with a time of 4 hours and 41 minutes. This elite group of athletes set the pace for the competition, showcasing their exceptional endurance and speed.
In the women’s category, Sunsari Rokaya, representing Nepal Army, emerged victorious by completing the course in 5 hours and 51 minutes. The second position went to Nirmala Rai from Khotang, who finished in 6 hours and 13 minutes, while the third-place spot was claimed by Lakpanima Sherpa of Nepal Police, who completed the race in 7 hours and 14 minutes.
The event, which was held in the picturesque setting of Nuwakot, was notable not only for its intense competition but also for the participation of 146 athletes, both male and female, many of whom had previous experience competing in international competitions. These athletes displayed remarkable physical strength and mental resilience, contributing to the growing popularity of trail running in Nepal.
The competition was not only about athletic performance but also served as a platform for recognizing the achievements of exceptional runners. The top three finishers in both categories were honored with cash prizes, medals, shields, and certificates. The winners of each category received NRs. 100,000, while the second and third-place winners earned NRs. 75,000 and NRs. 50,000, respectively. The awards were presented by the Chief Minister of Bagmati Province, Bahadur Singh Lama (Tamang), and Deepak Lama, the Secretary of the Bagmati Province Sports Development Council.
Chief Minister Lama took the opportunity to highlight the broader impact of the event. He emphasized that the competition not only showcased the individual talents of the athletes but also contributed significantly to the promotion of Nuwakot’s rich cultural, religious, and historical heritage. He expressed his belief that such events could play a crucial role in nurturing new talent in the region, fostering personal development for runners, and increasing awareness of the region’s diverse heritage.
The event’s success was made possible through the financial support of the Bagmati Province Sports Development Council, marking the first time a trail running competition was held in Nuwakot. The competition was organized in a trail running format, an emerging trend in the world of extreme sports, which adds an additional layer of excitement and difficulty for participants.
One of the significant aspects of this year’s Trishuli Ultra was its potential for future growth. The organizers were encouraged by the overwhelming response from both participants and spectators. Chief Minister Lama suggested that the next edition of the competition could be expanded to cover a longer and more challenging route. He proposed that the race could start in Belkotgadhi, Nuwakot, and extend all the way to Rasuwagadhi, the border area with China. This expansion could provide a unique opportunity for participants to experience the diverse terrains of Nuwakot while further promoting the region’s cultural and scenic significance.
The Trishuli Ultra–2025 not only provided a thrilling contest for experienced runners but also fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among the athletes. It helped showcase the potential of trail running as an emerging sport in Nepal and highlighted the importance of supporting athletic talent in the country. Furthermore, the event has set the stage for future international competitions, with Nepal’s athletes continuing to gain recognition on the global stage.
The competition’s successful completion has sparked excitement for future events and continues to inspire young runners across the country. As Nepal’s trail running scene grows, the Trishuli Ultra stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of endurance sports and the potential for Nuwakot to become a key destination for adventure tourism and sporting events in Nepal.
In conclusion, the Trishuli Ultra–2025 was a resounding success, not only in terms of athletic performance but also as an event that helped promote Nepal’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and sporting potential. The involvement of Nepal Army in securing top positions was a clear indicator of their dominance in the sport, while the involvement of local and national authorities ensures that the event will continue to grow and make a lasting impact on the sporting landscape of Nepal.
