Nepali runners Sonima Sherpa and Yugal Rai emerged victorious in the women’s and men’s categories in the second leg of the Kathmandu Valley Rim (KVR) 100 Miler Stage Race Challenge on Saturday.

Organised by Trailmandu, this race is unique in allowing endurance athletes to push their limits across a five-stage course that loops around the Kathmandu Valley. Each stage features a gruelling 30 km of rugged single-track trails with staggering ascents between 1,500 and 2,000 metres, offering both a physical test and visual rewards.

The second stage saw 57 runners, including 27 international athletes, setting off from Gurje Bhanjyang, located on Kathmandu’s northwest rim at the entrance of Shivapuri National Park.

Sherpa claimed first place in the women’s section, finishing in 4 hours, 32 minutes, and 55 seconds. Close behind was Britain’s Fleur Mountjoy, crossing the line at 4:32:59, followed by France’s Lou Dangelou in 5:18:40. Fourteen female runners competed in the race.

In the men’s category, Rai took the top spot with an impressive 3 hours, 48 minutes, and 16 seconds. Raja Mahatara followed just over five minutes later in 3:53:47, with Britain’s Ronald Hunter (3:57:47) securing third place.

Participants faced an intense climb along jeep tracks through dense forest. The course continued to rise, leading runners up to 2,730 metres, where they were met with sweeping views of the Himalayas. After an opening 10km ascent, the competitors reported to the first checkpoint at Baghdwar, below Shivapuri Peak.

The trail flattened out a bit, giving runners a reprieve towards the second checkpoint at Chisapani before they made the final push to the finish line at Hill Vision Resort in Jhule.

This stage race has already become a highlight in Nepal’s trail running calendar. Its demanding terrain, steep climbs, and high-altitude views attract both local and international competitors eager to tackle the challenge and enjoy the valley’s natural beauty.

The event has garnered international attention, with each of the first three stages earning two ITRA (International Trail Running Association) points, according to the organisers. “We’re in talks with the world governing body, and the last two stages are expected to secure their ITRA points soon,” said Jimi Oostrum, a member of the organising team.

The third leg of the challenge resumes on December 7 when runners tackle another tough 30-km course with 1,700 metres of elevation gain. The race starts in Jhule and finishes in Ranikot, located in Bhaktapur district.