Stage 3 of the Kathmandu Valley Race (KVR) 100 concluded on Saturday, highlighting exceptional performances on the rugged and awe-inspiring Jhule Ridge Trail.

The 30K course pushed runners to their limits, combining awe-inspiring views with a physically demanding challenge that left participants both exhausted and exhilarated. The third stage of the race, organised by Trailmandu, drew 56 athletes, including ten international runners.

In the men’s race, local athletes dominated the podium. Lokendra Rai won the race by a comfortable margin of over 10 minutes, crossing the line in 2 hours, 52 minutes and 24 seconds.

Ramesh Limbu followed in second with a time of 3:02:40, and Jonah Smith secured third at 3:27:21. Rai’s performance showcased both speed and endurance. Limbu kept strong momentum throughout, while Smith’s effort also deserved recognition.

In the women’s section, Sonima Sherpa achieved a remarkable time of 4:10:31 to claim top honors in a field of nine runners. Charu Arjyal followed, finishing strong with a time of 6:05:26, claiming second place. Lindsay Seuc of the US completed the podium, crossing the line at 6:24:02, rounding off an impressive effort by all competitors.

This marked another successful stage for the KVR, with breathtaking views and a tough course that left participants with a strong sense of achievement. The course offered varied terrains and tricky navigation made it a thrilling challenge. With an elevation gain of 1,900m and a peak altitude of 2,100m, the course tested both stamina and mental focus.

The race started at Hill Vision Resort in Jhule, located on the border of Kathmandu and Sindhupalchok districts.

The trail led the runners along a short stretch of the busy Melamchi Highway. Soon, they advanced into a serene forested path, offering a peaceful escape, making their way towards Nagarkot Bazar.

As they continue, the route shifts to a more open road that climbs towards the summit, where the views become both awe-inspiring and testing for one’s stamina. Following the descent from the tower, the trail veers towards Kalamasi Road and enters a pine forest before reaching the Nala Monastery.

Beyond the monastery, the runners crossed the iconic Sanga Bridge, a key landmark, before heading towards Kakrabari Tower and into the final stretch leading to Ranikot, where the race came to a close.

The KVR100 continues on February 1, 2025, with the fourth leg, another 30K route starting from Ranikot. The trail will pass through villages and Godawari forest, then climb to Phulchoki Peak—the highest point of the valley’s rim, standing at 2,780 metres—before descending to Nallu. The final section takes runners through Pharping, across a suspension bridge, and through farmlands, finishing at Solid Rock Lodge in Dollu.

The fifth and final leg, on March 1, will bring runners back to Ichhangu Narayan Temple, the point from where this iconic race was flagged off on October 5.

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