SATV Nov 9 Kathmandu: The Third Pokhara International Mountain Cross-Country Race has successfully concluded in Pokhara. The competition, which began at 7:30 AM, was inaugurated by His Excellency, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Nepal, Mr. Chen Song, under the theme "Run for Common Prosperity."
The event was organized by the Pokhara Metropolitan City, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, the Nepal Tourism Board, and the Himalayan Tourism Forum. It was supported by several guiding organizations, including the Gandaki Provincial Government, the National Sports Council, the Gandaki Provincial Sports Council, the Kaski District Sports Development Committee, as well as China’s Yunnan Provincial Sports Bureau, the Yunnan Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, the Kunming Foreign Affairs Office, the Kunming Sports Federation, and the Kunming People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.
The competition featured a total prize pool of NPR 1,938,100 and included four different race categories: Team Relay, Challenge Individual Race, Student Race, and Happy Run Race. Approximately 1,200 athletes from Nepal and abroad participated in the event. A team of 134 athletes and officials from Kunming arrived in Pokhara on a chartered plane on November 22, with other participants and officials also present.
Race Results:
Team Relay Race:
The Team Relay race started at Barahi Ghat and passed through several scenic locations, including the National Bank Junction, Dam Side, Chhorepatan, Fushre Khola, Ramdi, Mattikhan, Deurali, Phedikhola, Damgade School, Salme Danda, Ram Kot, Kuwinde, Ulleri, Thaple Tiger Hill, Kabre, Pumdi-Bumdi, Tal Pari, The Bich Restaurant, and concluded back at Barahi Ghat. The winning team, consisting of Sushil Thansuhang, Srijana Pande, and Srikash Rai, completed the course in 4 hours, 20 minutes, and 47 seconds. Challenge Individual Race:
This race covered a similar route as the Team Relay but with an extended distance. The men's winner was Yang Qian Qian, who completed the race in 3 hours, 44 minutes, and 47 seconds. In the women’s category, Chen Wen Rong took first place. Student Race:
The Student Race started at Barahi Ghat and passed through Gaurighat, Shahid Chowk, National Bank Junction, and Dam Side before returning to Barahi Ghat for the finish. Happy Run Race: The Happy Run Race started at Barahi Ghat, passing through the Center Point, Hallan Chowk, Khahare Chowk, Dihiko Patan, and looping back to Barahi Ghat.
A Boost for Tourism and International Relations
This international competition, set against the backdrop of the Himalayas, not only strengthened the friendship between Nepal and China but also added a new dimension to the tourism and development of Pokhara. Such events play a significant role in the overall development of the city and contribute greatly to its growing recognition as a destination for international sports and tourism. The competition has attracted both seasoned runners and newcomers, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for mountain running in Nepal. This event also served as a platform for promoting international cooperation and tourism between Nepal and China.
The event concluded with a closing ceremony and award distribution, marking a successful end to a significant chapter in Pokhara’s sporting calendar.
