Nepal Marathon and Running Events: A Calendar for Runners

Overview

Nepal's running event scene has matured significantly. The Kathmandu International Marathon (held each November) is the flagship road event, covering a certified 42.2 km course through Ratna Park and the ring road. The Pokhara Marathon runs in January around Phewa Tal and the lakeshore streets. Trail running has grown even faster — the Himalayan Trail Race, Annapurna 100, and Mustang Trail Race attract an increasingly international field each year. Entry fees for road marathons are typically NPR 1,500 to NPR 3,000 for Nepali runners and USD 30 to USD 80 for international participants. Trail events charge more due to route management costs. Most events require pre-registration online and have strict cutoff times. Running the Kathmandu Marathon is genuinely challenging due to the city's elevation (1,400 m), traffic-related air quality, and hilly course profile — times are typically 15 to 25 minutes slower than sea-level performances.

FAQ

Q: Which race is best for first-time visitors to Nepal?

The Pokhara Marathon in January is ideal. The lakeshore setting is scenic, the course is relatively flat, pollution levels are lower than Kathmandu, and the event is well-organised with solid medical support.

Q: How do I find current event dates?

Check the Athletics Federation of Nepal (AFN) website and popular trail running platforms like iRunFar and UltraSignup for international listings. Event dates shift year to year.