Off-road Triathlon
A Triathlon Story: From Pokhara to the Podium
The XTERRA series, making its South Asian debut in this lake district, aims to highlight the city's vibrant energy on the global stage. The three-day event begins on November 15.
The XTERRA series, making its South Asian debut in this lake district, aims to highlight the city's vibrant energy on the global stage. The three-day event begins on November 15.
Pokhara’s breathtaking landscapes, dramatic Himalayan backdrop, and rich culture have long enchanted adventure seekers. Now, the city’s allure extends into competitive sports with XTERRA Nepal—a high-adrenaline, off-road triathlon.
From November 15 to 17, Pokhara will come alive with an exhilarating blend of open-water swimming, mountain biking, and trail running.
Around 100 competitors, including expats in Nepal and international athletes, are expected to compete in three races across multiple categories that suit participants’ skills, endurance and age. This thrilling event promises to push athletes through rugged terrains and stunning landscapes, offering an unforgettable race.
This year’s XTERRA Nepal marks the debut of the globally renowned XTERRA series in South Asia. Celebrated for its challenging triathlons staged in breathtaking locales, the event is expected to boost tourism and bolster Pokhara’s reputation as a premier destination for adventure sports.
As one of 51 qualifying races for the XTERRA World Championships, XTERRA Nepal promises an extraordinary experience for both athletes and spectators. The organisers shared their excitement, highlighting Pokhara as the perfect setting for this epic adventure.
“Pokhara offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and rugged trails for an off-road triathlon,” says XTERRA Nepal Chair Dipesh Ghale. He declines a request to disclose franchise details, but says that the company estimates the event’s organisation costs at around Rs5 million.
Set against the Annapurna range, Begnas Lake will host the triathlon’s swimming portion, providing athletes with an exhilarating natural swimming environment. The hilly landscapes are ideal for the cycling and running segments, offering rugged terrain that challenges participants while showcasing the area’s natural beauty.
The Full Distance Triathlon begins with a 1.5K open-water swim, followed by a challenging 30K bike ride on single and jeep tracks through scenic villages and farmlands, according to the event programme. It ends with a demanding 10K trail run across steep ascents and jungle paths with a finish line set for the 2024 season finale. In addition to the full race, there are diverse options for all skill levels, including a Sprint Distance Triathlon, a Duathlon, a 25K Trail Half Marathon, and shorter 12K, 6K, and Kids runs.
XTERRA Nepal has also strategically timed the event for autumn, when Pokhara enjoys pleasant and stable weather. “This seasonal advantage ensures that athletes enjoy moderate conditions—free from extreme heat or biting cold,” explains Ghale, referencing data collected from a nearby hatchery around the same time last year. It indicated temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius.
XTERRA Global emphasises that these unique conditions make Pokhara an ideal choice for the event, reinforcing Nepal’s potential as a triathlon destination.
“Nepal is iconic for adventure seekers, but finding the right location for an off-road triathlon is never easy,” notes Landry Benoit, technical director for XTERRA’s Asia-Pacific operations. XTERRA’s decision to host the event in Pokhara is well-considered, with requirements for transportation, accommodation, course quality, and organisers’ expertise thoroughly met.
The XTERRA Global team conducted due diligence on a franchise bid submitted by a consortium of three private companies—Periwinkle Service, Gnarly, and Crystal Mountain Treks—bringing expertise in branding, biking, and trail running to the event. Following an inspection, Benoit, along with XTERRA Director Nicolas Lebrun, endorsed Pokhara as an ideal off-road triathlon venue.
“Pokhara checks all the boxes for a perfect triathlon site, and we’re thrilled to see this event come to life in such a beautiful place,” says Benoit.
The organisers hope the event opens new opportunities for local talent. It allows Nepali triathletes to participate in a major international event, presenting a total of 28 qualifying slots for the XTERRA World Championship in 2025. Previously held in Taiwan, the triathlon showcase will take place on March 29 and 30 in Dunsborough, Western Australia.
“Nepal’s limited facilities for triathlons have often challenged local athletes,” says Shyam Limbu, the founder of Gnarly and race director of XTERRA Nepal. He assures that the franchise is committed to changing this by offering invaluable experience to local competitors. “This event not only helps athletes develop their skills but also builds connections with seasoned international competitors, boosting Nepal’s presence in off-road sports.”
Pokhara’s selection for XTERRA is also a boon for tourism and the local economy. Known as the gateway to famous trekking routes, the city has well-established infrastructure, and the event is expected to attract more visitors. Local hotels, restaurants, and vendors are poised to benefit, with small businesses gaining exposure to an international audience.
“Events like this bolster our local economy by introducing our products and culture to a global audience,” says Sushil Adhikari, managing director of Rupakot Resort. The 42-room property overlooking Rupa and Begnas lakes has joined hands with XTERRA Nepal as its accommodation partner for the event.
Adding a cultural touch, XTERRA Nepal plans to celebrate Nepali heritage with traditional dance and music performances at post-race festivities. “This will help create a deeper connection with the country, leaving lasting memories of both the race and the region,” says XTERRA Nepal in a statement.
The competition venue around Begnas Lake, a Ramsar-recognised site, showcases Pokhara’s commitment to eco-friendly tourism. The organisers have planned preventive measures, including reusable gates and durable flags, to minimise waste.
“XTERRA Nepal is dedicated to preserving this natural beauty,” emphasises Ghale. Additionally, a post-event cleanup will restore the area to its natural state.
These efforts, the company claims, reflect XTERRA’s core values that uphold environmentally responsible practices and inspire both participants and spectators to adopt eco-conscious behaviours.
The event is expected to attract around 1,000 visitors over three days. But a sharp rise in international airfares to Kathmandu, combined with impending operational restrictions at Kathmandu Airport, has disrupted organisers’ plans. From November 8, 2024, to March 31, 2025, the Tribhuvan International Airport will be closed for 10 hours for taxiway expansion, limiting night-time flights.
“We might have fewer international participants this year due to circumstances beyond our control,” Ghale explains, noting that a surge in ticket prices has deterred some international entrants.
Still, they remain optimistic. “XTERRA Nepal is here for the long run,” he adds, hinting at plans for substantial cash prizes to attract top professional triathletes in future events. The event leverages social media and global exposure to showcase Nepal as a multifaceted destination for thrill-seekers and cultural enthusiasts beyond trekking.
Following XTERRA Nepal’s successful launch, discussions have emerged about the potential for Pokhara to host the XTERRA World Championship. Both local organisers and XTERRA Global officials recognise Pokhara’s promise. However, infrastructure improvements, such as better road conditions and expanded flight options, will be essential to accommodate more visitors.
Ghale adds, “Pokhara has all the natural elements for a world championship venue. With infrastructure upgrades, we could soon compete with top global triathlon destinations.”
The private sector has set the stage for Pokhara as a premier destination for triathletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Now, attention turns to government support to solidify this vision.
Suman brings 27 years of experience in journalism, having worked for prominent media outlets in Nepal, Europe and the Middle East. A Fondation Journalistes en Europe fellow, he has covered a wide range of subjects, including social issues, economic trends, infrastructure and aviation. Outside of his work in the newsroom, his love for sports is evident. On weekends, he often swaps his pen for pedals and goes out on bicycle adventures on the city outskirts.
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