Ramchandra Mahatara and Sonima Sherpa have delivered standout performances in the fourth stage of the KVR100 Stage Race Challenge, claiming victory in their respective categories.

In the world of ultra-running, where experience often dictates the outcome, Ramchandra Mahatara rewrote the script with an electrifying debut victory. He dominated the 37-km course from Ranikot to Pharping, finishing in 4 hours, 24 minutes, and 58 seconds. Sherpa reaffirmed her supremacy in the women’s division, clocking 5 hours, 12 minutes, and 36 seconds.

Fifty-four runners—among them 15 international competitors—started the fourth leg of Nepal’s first 100-mile stage race organised by Trailmandu on Saturday. It was another punishing test of endurance, winding through remote villages, dense Godawari forests, and up the relentless climb to Phulchoki Peak—Kathmandu Valley’s highest point at 2,780 metres. From there, runners descended into Nallu before tackling the final stretch through farmlands, across suspension bridges, and into the finish at Solid Rock Lodge in Dollu.

Ramchandra’s pace and composure over the challenging terrain saw him edge out fierce rival Bishal Gurung, who finished just behind in 4 hours, 29 minutes, and 4 seconds. Completing the podium was Ramchandra’s elder brother, Raja Mahatara, who clocked 4 hours, 33 minutes, and 54 seconds.

Thirty-one-year-old Raja, a regular in the KVR100 series, had mixed emotions as he watched his younger sibling take the win. “I’ve been running these races for a while now, and to see Ramchandra come in and win on his first attempt is incredible,” he told 8850media. “We push each other to be better, and I couldn’t be happier for him.”

For Ramchandra Mahatara, this victory was more than just a fast finish; it was a statement. His ability to match and surpass experienced competitors in his first attempt signals the emergence of a formidable new talent in Nepal’s ultra-running scene.

Sonima Sherpa to the fore

The women’s division delivered its own spectacle, with Sherpa once again proving why she is the dominant force in the series. She stormed to victory in 5 hours, 12 minutes, and 36 seconds, further solidifying her reputation as one of the most elite endurance runners in the country.

Challenging her stride for stride was American runner Sonya Martin, who relentlessly pushed the pace before finishing just over a minute behind in 5 hours, 14 minutes, and 8 seconds. Anisha Gurung rounded out the podium in 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 33 seconds, among a field of 11 competitors.

The runners now turn their focus to the grand finale on March 1. The final leg will bring them back to the historic Ichhangu Narayan Temple—the very spot where this epic journey began on October 5.

As the ultimate challenge looms, anticipation is at its peak. With months of racing and thousands of metres of elevation gain behind them, the athletes will now push for one final triumph, leaving everything on the trail in their pursuit of glory.

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