In a unique blend of sports, conservation, and tourism, Ilam is set to host the Red Panda Marathon on September 20 (Ashwin 4) to mark International Red Panda Day. The event will start from Ilam Bazaar and end at Sandakpur Hill, on the Nepal–India border, offering participants a scenic yet challenging race through the Himalayan foothills.
Organizers Aim to Link Sports with Tourism Development
The marathon is being organized by the Deepjyoti Youth Club, with support from the Red Panda Network and Sandakpur Rural Municipality. According to Ram Rimal, Program Director of the Deepjyoti Youth Club, the goal is not only to host a competitive sporting event but also to promote tourism and raise awareness about the endangered red panda, locally known as “Habre.”
“This event is a way to merge tourism promotion with sports and conservation,” Rimal said. “Hosting it in a habitat where red pandas are naturally found makes it even more meaningful. We believe it will contribute significantly to local tourism development.”
A Challenging Route with Stunning Views
The marathon route spans a demanding 44.2 kilometers, starting at Chowk Bazaar in Ilam (1,120 meters above sea level) and finishing at Sandakpur Hill (3,610 meters). The steep altitude gain will test the endurance of the participants, while rewarding them with breathtaking views along the way.
Sandakpur Hill, located in Ward No. 2 of Sandakpur Rural Municipality, is the highest point in Ilam at an elevation of 3,636 meters. From its summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of sunrise over the Himalayas and see peaks across four countries, Nepal, India, Bhutan, and China.
National and International Participation Expected
The event is expected to attract over 100 runners, including participants from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and athletes from across the country. International runners are also anticipated to join, further enhancing the event’s prestige.
Wangchu Bhutia, Program Director at the Red Panda Network, confirmed that both national and international athletes will take part. “This marathon will serve as a platform to promote red panda conservation while providing a memorable experience for the runners,” Bhutia said.
Attractive Cash Prizes for Winners
The competition will have separate categories for men and women. The top four finishers in each category will receive substantial cash prizes:
- 1st Place – NPR 150,000
- 2nd Place – NPR 100,000
- 3rd Place – NPR 50,000
- 4th Place – NPR 30,000
In addition, a special category will be held for local runners from Ilam, Panchthar, and Taplejung districts. Winners in the local category will also receive cash awards:
- 1st Place – NPR 25,000
- 2nd Place – NPR 20,000
- 3rd Place – NPR 10,000
- 4th Place – NPR 5,000
Preparation and Infrastructure Development
To ensure the marathon’s success, Sandakpur Rural Municipality has already begun repairing the race route. Chairperson Tularam Gurung stated that the event aligns with the municipality’s tourism development goals.
“A marathon of this scale is being held in our municipality for the first time, and it will benefit not only Sandakpur but all of Ilam,” Gurung said. “We have started road maintenance along the route to provide a smooth and safe race environment.”
Promoting Conservation Through Sports
The Red Panda Marathon is not just a sporting competition, it is a platform for conservation education. The event is strategically timed with International Red Panda Day to draw attention to the species’ fragile existence.
Red pandas, native to the eastern Himalayas, are listed as endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. By holding the marathon in their habitat, organizers hope to inspire both locals and visitors to take an active role in their preservation.
Tourism Potential of Sandakpur and Ilam
Ilam, known for its lush tea gardens, scenic hills, and biodiversity, has long been a popular domestic tourism destination. However, destinations like Sandakpur have untapped potential for attracting more visitors, especially adventure and eco-tourists.
The hill’s unique location allows panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers. The marathon, with its challenging route and scenic backdrop, is expected to create more awareness of Sandakpur as a must-visit destination.
A Festival of Sports, Nature, and Culture
Local authorities and tourism stakeholders believe that events like the Red Panda Marathon could become annual fixtures in Ilam’s tourism calendar. Alongside the race, visitors can experience Ilam’s cultural richness, local cuisine, and traditional hospitality.
The combination of athletic competition, conservation awareness, and breathtaking scenery is expected to leave a lasting impression on participants and spectators alike.
Long-Term Vision
If successful, the Red Panda Marathon could inspire similar events in other parts of Nepal, particularly in regions rich in biodiversity. By linking sports and conservation with tourism, such initiatives can create a sustainable model for regional development. For Ilam, this marathon is more than just a race, it is a strategic step toward positioning itself as a hub for eco-tourism and adventure sports in Nepal.
