Nepali trail runner Sunmaya Budha returned home on Thursday after another spectacular season, greeted by a small yet enthusiastic group of supporters.

While her fanbase continues to grow in China, where she has become a sensation following her recent successes, the reception back home was understated. However, it was filled with pride and admiration.

“It’s always heartwarming to come home. No matter where I compete, Nepal is always in my heart,” Sunmaya told the few members of the press, stepping out of Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport arrival terminal.

She added: “This season was incredibly challenging but also rewarding. Knowing that I have supporters here, cheering me on from afar, means everything.”

Sunmaya has solidified her place as one of the world’s leading ultra-distance runners through consistency and determination. In 2024, she competed in nine prestigious international trail races, earning podium finishes in six—five of which were commanding victories. She set four new course records along the way.

Kitted out by Chinese brand Kailas Fuga, Sunmaya kicked off her 2024 season in style at the Wenling Golden Coast Trail in China, setting the tone for the rest of the season. The race, which began under heavy rain, quickly turned into an intense showdown between the Nepali runner and home favourite Xiang Fuzhao.

The two battled fiercely over the tough 70 km course with 3,270 metres of elevation gain. Sunmaya claimed the top honours, crossing the line seven seconds ahead of Fuzhao, the world’s second-ranking female 100 km runner. Her winning time of 7 hours, 6 minutes and 17 seconds was a new course record – shaving 10 minutes off the previous one held by Miao Yao.

Her performance at the Four Sisters Mountain Trail in the Sigunianghan Valley, the second race in the eight-race Golden Trail World Series, highlighted her remarkable versatility. She raced in a challenging 22 km technical course with over 1,500 metres of elevation gain and sections reaching altitudes above 4,000 metres. Despite the tough conditions, she finished 11th among an elite field of 352 international runners.

She then embarked on a series of challenges in Europe, starting with the Transvulcania Ultramarathon adidas TERREX in La Palma, Spain. With a distance of 73 km and over 4,220 metres of gruelling climbs, it is considered one of the world’s toughest trail races. Sunmaya earned third place with a time of 8:20:31, competing against a strong international field.

Her consistency shone through at the Marathon du Mont-Blanc in France. She completed the demanding 43 km race in 4:33:00 to come home 13th overall among a fiercely competitive group of athletes.

Not every race went as smoothly as expected. Armed with an impressive UTMB index of 774—well above the 680 needed to rank as an elite female athlete—Sunmaya entered the UTMB Mont-Blanc OCC in Chamonix, France with high hopes. However, the race took an unexpected turn and the 2022 CCC runner-up was forced to settle for a DNF.

Yet, she bounced back strongly in Switzerland to claim the SwissPeaks Marathon. Taking on a 44 km course with over 2,300 metres of climbing, Sunmaya stood first among 103 female participants with an impressive time of 4:47:20. The win streak continued at TORX – TOR30 – Passage au Malatra in Italy. She set a new course record in 3:24:55, highlighting her exceptional prowess on mountainous terrain.

Returning to China, she continued her trail-blazing season at the 60km Ultra-Trail Ninghai by UTMB, where she came out on top among 399 competitors. She completed the race in a remarkable 5:40:03, a new course record.

Sunmaya’s remarkable 2024 journey culminated in a stunning victory at the Tsaigu 100K in Linhai City. She shattered the course record with a time of 9 hours, 32 minutes, and 47 seconds. As the only female to finish the race in under 10 hours, her remarkable performance firmly established her as one of the sport’s elite athletes.

She credits her success to the dedication and support of her management team that has accompanied her on her journey. “I couldn’t have come this far without the commitment of my management team, who handle the logistics and planning, allowing me to focus on my performance.”

Her coaching team has been instrumental in helping her refine her skills, offering strategic guidance and personalised training. “The coaching I’ve received has truly transformed my approach to the sport, pushing me to improve and reach new milestones,” she noted.

The prodigious talent from Jumla, a town in Nepal’s far west, has captivated the global running community with her remarkable speed, resilience, and strategic mastery of the trails. With each race, she has raised the profile of Nepali athletes worldwide, inspiring the next generation back home.

One fan present at the airport summed it up perfectly: “She’s our pride. Sunmaya shows the world that Nepali athletes can conquer any mountain.” Indeed, her journey is about more than personal triumphs—it is paving a path for future generations to follow. Her legacy is only beginning, and the world is watching as Nepali athletes rise to the top, one race at a time.