Manjushree Trail Race Ready to Test the Best
With more than 500 participants across five race categories, Nepal’s premier trail event continues to attract global attention while showcasing the country’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
8850 Media
The fifth Manjushree Trail Race will take place from March 14 to 16, marking a significant milestone in Nepal’s trail running scene.
During a press briefing in Kathmandu on Sunday, the organisers highlighted the event’s growing prominence in the global trail-running community.
This year’s edition will feature over 500 participants, including 131 international runners, competing across five race categories—100 miles, 100 km, 50 km, 30 km, and 10 km. The course follows the Kathmandu Valley’s ridge, crossing seven peaks. Among the competitors, 94 are female, representing a diverse and highly competitive field.
What began as a local endurance challenge has evolved into a premier event that attracts elite runners from around the world. Launched in 2021, the race has grown beyond an athletic competition, becoming a platform for promoting tourism, cultural heritage, and environmental sustainability, according to the organisers.
With its growing global stature, the race continues to serve as a launchpad for local athletes. The MTR has served as a qualifier for the Asia Trail Masters, further cementing its reputation on the global stage.
Past winners, Nepal’s Rashila Tamang and Priya Rai, went on to claim the Asia Trail Masters title in 2023 and 2024, respectively. This year’s MTR champions will earn the opportunity to compete in the Asia Trail Masters Championship Final, scheduled for October 5 in Yen Bai province, Vietnam.
Runners completing the 100-mile race will earn 6 ITRA points, 100km- 4 points, 50km- 3 points and 30km- 2 points. The organisers have set cut-off times of 52 hours for 100 miles, 32 hours (100km), 16 hours (50km) and 8 hours (30km).
Despite financial constraints limiting the prize pool, the organisers have allocated Rs3.6 million for the event. The top three finishers in each of the major categories will receive cash prizes:
100 miles: 1st – Rs75,000, 2nd – Rs40,000, 3rd – Rs20,000
100 km: 1st – Rs50,000, 2nd – Rs25,000, 3rd – Rs15,000
50 km: 1st – Rs30,000, 2nd – Rs15,000, 3rd – Rs10,000
30 km: 1st – Rs20,000, 2nd – Rs10,000, 3rd – Rs5,000
The 100-mile race, the longest and most challenging category, starts from Single Tree in Ichangu Narayan. Other race starting points include Serene Resort in Nagarkot (100 km), Godavari (50 km), and Solid Rock Lodge, Dollu in Pharping (30km), with all races concluding at Single Tree.
To ensure runner support, 19 strategically placed checkpoints will provide food, water, and essential medical supplies, according to the organisers. Rest accommodations have been arranged at three designated locations for participants of 100-mile race and two for 100km race. Additionally, emergency services—including medical teams and ambulances—are coordinated with local hospitals to ensure swift assistance if needed.
