Nepali ultra-runners Suman Kulung and Chhoki Sherpa showcased masterclass performances to dominate the 12th Everest Trail Race, claiming victories in their respective categories.

Kulung completed the race in an impressive cumulative time of 19 hours, 28 minutes, and 31.82 seconds, consistently outpacing his competitors. Sherpa finished in 28 hours, 13 minutes, and 9.86 seconds to take the women’s title.

In the men’s category, Dal Bahadur Kunwar claimed second place with a time of 20:20:10.98, while Man Kumar Roka rounded out the podium at 20:29:05.11. In the women’s category, Humi Budha finished second among six competitors, with Laia Gilibets of Spain taking third place.

Kulung and Sherpa, representing Grans Espais – Annapurna Treks, also won the team title in the six-day race with a combined time of 24:21:51. Man Kumar Rokha and Humi Budha of Dhap Municipality team claimed second place in 24:34:55.

Set in Nepal’s rugged Solukhumbu region, the Everest Trail Race is one of the world’s most challenging endurance events. This year, 35 participants from six countries competed across six stages, each ranging from 25 to 32 km, with altitude changes of 3,600 to 5,400 metres daily. Designed in a freestyle format, the race caters to elite athletes and well-conditioned trekkers looking to test their limits.

Kulung’s strategic pacing and endurance on high-altitude ascents and technical descents proved decisive in maintaining his lead and to add another title his previous successes in 2017, 2019 and 2023.

“I am incredibly grateful and proud to secure my fourth victory in this event,” said the 33-year-old, who is contracted as a professional trail runner to Dr. Sigrid Schwarzenbacher Foundation of Austria. “Each edition of the race brings new challenges, and this year was no exception. Winning this race again motivates me to keep pushing the boundaries of my abilities.”

Sherpa mirrored this excellence in the women’s category, showcasing exceptional consistency and resilience. She finished more than 13 minutes ahead of her closest competitor, Humi Budha, to secure her fifth consecutive title.

“This victory is not just mine—it belongs to my family, my team, and everyone who has supported me along this incredible journey,” said Sherpa. “The beauty of the Himalayas and the spirit of the competition always push me to give my best.”

Both runners started their campaigns with victories in the first stage. Kulung completed the men’s stage in 2 hours, 36 minutes, and 45.5 seconds, while Sherpa triumphed in the women’s stage with a time of 3 hours, 48 minutes, and 3.3 seconds. Their leads grew further after the second stage.

The race’s most technical stage was the third, covering 28 km between Ringmo and Kharikhola with a cumulative elevation gain of nearly 5,000 meters. Kulung tactically outpaced his closest rival, Roka, on the final 500-meter climb, securing a lead of 5 minutes and 32 seconds. This victory consolidated his general classification lead by almost 40 minutes over Kunwar.

Kunwar staged a powerful comeback in the fifth stage, securing his first stage win and cutting Kulung’s overall lead by 17 minutes. Despite this, Kulung retained a commanding 46-minute lead heading into the final stage. The final stage brought drama as Kulung showcased resilience to reclaim victory and secure the overall title.

Meanwhile, Sherpa managed to win the fourth stage, finishing just over 15 seconds ahead of Humi Budha for a fifth consecutive stage win. The latter stepped up her challenge to take the final stage with a time of 4 hours, 12 minutes and 17.95 seconds, edging Sherpa by a tenth of a second. But Sherpa was never under threat as she maintained her dominance in the race. Spanish runner Laia Gilibets finished the stage in 4:59:40.0 for third place with a cumulative time of 31:35:44.86.

Other notable performances included Spain’s Antonio Segovia, who won the Veteran 1 (45-54 years) division, and Belgium’s Kurt Alderweireldt, who emerged as the Veteran 2 (above 55) champion.

Segovia completed the race in 26 hours and 21.19 seconds, six hours ahead of Albert Jorquera (32:24:26.28). Paula Fernández-Ochoa (36:42:16.34) completed the all-Spanish podium.

Alderweireldt dominated the Veteran 2 field, finishing with a combined time of 28h33:47.56. Italy’s Gian Luca Ferro (43:10:10.16) secured the runner-up position, followed by Germany’s Johannes Reiser (45:16:40.49).