Sixth Jumla-Rara Ultra Marathon Set to Begin Saturday with 591 Runners

The scenic trails of Jumla will come alive on Saturday as the sixth edition of the Jumla-Rara Ultra Marathon kicks off with participation from nearly 600 runners, including international athletes.

Organized by the Karnali Sports Club, the 51-kilometre endurance race has drawn 591 participants this year. In a press briefing held Friday, Club President Saroj Shahi confirmed that all preparations have been finalized for the event.

The marathon will see 74 Nepali runners compete alongside international athletes—two from India and one each from Poland, the United States, and France. In addition to the ultra marathon, the event includes supporting races: a 5-km employee run featuring 155 participants and a 10-km student race with 355 schoolchildren. Two runners from the Tribhuvan Army Club are also set to join the main event.

With a budget allocation of Rs 2.8 million, organizers aim to use the marathon not only as a competitive sporting event but also as a platform to boost tourism in Karnali Province. “We believe this race will highlight the natural beauty and potential of Jumla and Rara, attracting more visitors in the future,” said Shahi.