TRAIL RUNNING
Rising up to the challenge
Nepal's top athletes gear up for the inaugural Asia-Pacific Trail Running Championships in South Korea, despite visa issues limiting the team's full strength.
Nepal's top athletes gear up for the inaugural Asia-Pacific Trail Running Championships in South Korea, despite visa issues limiting the team's full strength.
Nepal’s top trail runners set off for South Korea on Tuesday, eager to make their mark at the inaugural Asia-Pacific Trail Running Championships. However, their journey to the starting line was anything but smooth, marked by significant challenges along the way.
Six athletes, including two of Nepal’s top female runners, will be competing in a five-day event kicking off in Ulju on Wednesday.
Around 400 finest athletes from 25 countries and territories in the region are gathering in the championship, organised by JSCENO in association with the International Trail Running Association (ITRA). They will be aiming for team and individual honours in the 80km, 40km, and 15km races.
The initial plan was to send ten athletes, with support pledged from various individuals and organisations, both locally and internationally, to assist them financially. According to reliable sources, HK100, a renowned Hong Kong-based organisation specializing in trail running events, extended generous financial support to cover the expenses of athletes, enabling their participation in the Ulju event. Driven by their commitment to help underprivileged yet talented athletes, HK100 directors Steve Brammer and Janet Ng made the decision.
In addition to HK100’s compassionate backing, several Nepali private sector companies also contributed to the effort, further ensuring the athletes’ participation on the international stage.
Hopes for a full team competition were, however, dashed when four of them were denied visas, which dealt a significant blow to their chances.
Nepal’s trail runners, renowned for their rugged endurance and resilience on high-altitude terrains, are no strangers to international success. Among those representing Nepal are Tilak Bahadur Sunuwar and Priya Rai, both competing in the 40km races for men and women, respectively.
Meanwhile, seasoned trail runner Rashila Tamang, who has garnered multiple accolades throughout her career, will take on her preferred 80 km challenge. Tirtha Bahadur Tamang, Man Kumar Roka Magar, and Gopal Tamang will vie for the best results in the men’s section.
Nepali trail running enthusiasts have pinned high hopes on the team, especially after a recent string of strong performances on the international stage.
At the 2024 Asia Trail Master Championship finale in Malaysia last month, Nepal solidified its reputation as a rising force in trail running. Priya, in her debut 50km race, secured a commanding victory over Singapore’s Vanja Cnops, while 2023 champion Rashila joined them on the podium despite battling through leg discomfort. Chhoki Sherpa and Padam Kumari Sunwar stood seventh and eighth. Add to that Arjun Kulung Rai’s tenth place among men, with Dina Bagale and Furba Singh Tamang taking 21st and 22nd positions secured Nepal the team title.
However, the visa rejections have cast a shadow over Nepal’s bid for a team title. “We were hoping for another stellar performance, considering the athletes we had lined up,” said Purna Tamang, coach of Rashila. “It’s unfortunate that only six could make it to this prestigious event in Korea.”
Those familiar with the trail venue in Korea described rugged terrain reminiscent of Nepal’s mountainous landscapes and that it could play to the strengths of Nepali athletes. “Ulju has the perfect environment for trail running,” said Bagale, who completed the TransJeju 100K race this past week.
Despite the setback, Nepal’s remaining athletes are undeterred, he said. Rashila Tamang, with her fierce determination, is poised to push her limits in the 80km race. Tirtha Bahadur Tamang, who stood seventh at the Anta Hong Kong 100 Ultra in January 2024, Man Kumar Roka Magar with a second position in the Fishtail 100’s 50km race and Sky Race Pikey Peak 2023 winner Gopal Tamang are equally prepared to give their all.
The championship is set to be more than just a race, with the ITRA leadership assuring it to be a defining moment for trail running in the Asia-Pacific region.
Emphasising the significance of the event in a recent statement, ITRA President Janet Ng said: “This championship is a pivotal moment for the sport in our region. We’re committed to working with local organisers to create a world-class event that will inspire future generations of trail runners.”
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