Nestled in the heart of Nepal, Pokhara is often called the tourism capital of the country, and it’s easy to see why. The city is surrounded by stunning views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountain ranges, while also offering a mix of serene lakes, lush greenery, and vibrant urban life. Beyond its natural beauty, Pokhara is a haven for adventure lovers, making it an ideal spot for visitors looking to combine travel and thrill.
Among the city’s many highlights, the Pokhara Marathon stands out as a key event that brings together people from all over the world. It’s more than just a race it’s a celebration of sports, health, unity, and tourism, offering a chance for locals and visitors to come together in the spirit of fun and fitness.
Pokhara is far more than just a picturesque tourist spot it’s also Nepal’s ultimate destination for adventure sports. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself or simply take in some of the world’s most jaw-dropping views, Pokhara has something for everyone. One of the city’s most popular attractions is paragliding it’s ranked among the top 10 destinations for paragliding worldwide.
You can take off from Sarangkot and soar over Phewa Lake, with sweeping views of the Annapurna mountain range below. For trekking enthusiasts, Pokhara is a dream come true, with famous routes like the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek, Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek, and Mardi Himal Trek. These trails offer stunning vistas, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting.
Pokhara’s lakes, such as Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, and Rupa Lake, provide the perfect setting for boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding. And for those looking for an adrenaline rush, zip-lining, bungee jumping, and ultra-light flights are available to take your adventure to the next level.
The Pokhara Marathon, organized annually by the Ex-Sportsmen Forum Nepal, has quickly become one of Nepal’s most exciting international sporting events. The marathon features several categories, so there’s something for everyone from professional runners to casual joggers, students, and even people with disabilities.
The main event, the 42.195 km Open Marathon, is accompanied by shorter races like the 21 km Half Marathon, a 10 km race, and a 5 km race for students. There’s also a wheelchair race, a visually impaired race, and a fun, non-competitive “Run for Fun” category. The marathon takes participants on a journey through all 17 wards of Pokhara Metropolitan City, offering a unique chance to experience both the natural beauty and urban charm of the city along the route.
The 17th edition of the Safal Pokhara International Marathon, held on February 17, 2024, saw participants from 16 countries, including Nepal, Kenya, Ethiopia, Serbia, Egypt, the United States, and many more. Over 8,000 runners took part, showcasing Pokhara’s rising profile as a sports tourism hub.
The upcoming 18th edition, scheduled for February 15, 2025, promises to be even bigger, with more runners, more international participants, and even greater excitement. It’s a perfect example of how sports are bringing people from all corners of the world to one of Nepal’s most beautiful cities.
Sports have a far-reaching impact, not just on the individual, but also on society as a whole. The Pokhara Marathon is a perfect illustration of this. First and foremost, sports promote health and physical well-being.
Whether you’re running a marathon or simply participating in a 5 km fun run, physical activity is a great way to improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and boost mental well-being. Events like the Pokhara Marathon encourage people to lead healthier lives, not just on race day but long after, by inspiring a culture of fitness in the community.
Beyond health, sports have the power to bring people together, build unity, and foster social harmony. The Pokhara Marathon, for example, features participants of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities people with disabilities, women, seniors, and children alike. The marathon becomes a celebration of inclusion and equality, as runners from different cultures and nations come together for a shared goal. It’s a reminder that sports can unite people in ways that go far beyond the finish line.
Sports also play a crucial role in economic development. Major events like the Pokhara Marathon attract tourists, which boosts the local economy. From the hospitality industry hotels, restaurants, and transport services to retail and tourism activities, the marathon supports numerous local businesses. It also fosters the growth of sports tourism, where people travel specifically for sporting events and explore adventure activities while in Pokhara. This creates jobs, supports local infrastructure, and gives the entire city a boost.
While the Pokhara Marathon is undoubtedly a success, there are a few challenges that need to be addressed to ensure it continues to grow. One of the key challenges is the lack of infrastructure Pokhara, though beautiful, doesn’t yet have all the sports facilities that might be needed for such a large-scale event. Better training centers, running tracks, and modern stadiums would help elevate the event.
There’s also the issue of traffic with the marathon covering all 17 wards of Pokhara, managing traffic can be difficult. Improved traffic management and alternative routes for vehicles are crucial to making sure the race runs smoothly.
Sponsorship and funding are always a concern for any major event, and the marathon would benefit from more corporate backing and international support to help improve its overall quality and scale. Additionally, like most large events, the marathon produces waste, so a more eco-friendly approach to managing the event’s impact on the environment would make it even more sustainable.
To take the Pokhara Marathon to the next level, a few changes could help make a big difference. First, investing in infrastructure from sports facilities to better transportation systems would make the event more efficient and comfortable for both participants and spectators. Improved traffic management with more coordination and better route planning will help ease congestion on race day.
Securing more sponsorships and international funding can help elevate the event’s profile, attract more participants, and offer bigger prizes. And, of course, boosting global promotion through digital marketing, social media, and partnerships with international sports organizations can help get the word out and encourage more athletes from around the world to come and compete. Finally, implementing more eco-friendly measures, like reusable water stations and sustainable race materials, would go a long way in making the event more environmentally responsible.
The Pokhara Marathon is so much more than a race it’s a celebration of health, unity, and the spirit of adventure. By bringing together thousands of athletes from all over the world, it promotes fitness, global friendship, and economic development. With Pokhara’s reputation as Nepal’s adventure sports hub, the marathon becomes even more exciting, with participants able to enjoy not only the race but also a wide range of outdoor activities in this breathtaking city.
The marathon has the potential to grow into one of the world’s most recognized races, bringing attention to Nepal’s tourism and sports tourism industries. Pokhara, with its magnificent landscapes, vibrant culture, and endless adventure opportunities, is ready to establish itself as one of the leading sports tourism destinations.
The 18th edition of the Pokhara Marathon, scheduled for February 15, 2025, promises an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Whether you’re running for competition or just for fun, Pokhara welcomes you to run, explore, and be inspired by the magic of the mountains. Pokhara invites you to join the race and be a part of something truly special.
Written By: Som Sapkota (Tourism Promoter for Wales, Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Nepal)
