The 16th Kathmandu Marathon is set to take place on September 28, with all preparations now in place, according to the NRS Sports Foundation. This year’s event promises to be a standout, with organisers declaring it will be “more special and comprehensive” than ever before, as anticipation builds for the capital’s premier running event.

More than 3,000 runners are expected to participate in this year’s event across four categories: marathon, half marathon, 5 km and 3 km, explained NRS Sports Foundation President Nilendra Raj Shrestha during a press meet on Saturday.

According to the organisers, nearly 1,000 runners have already registered for the event. Among them, 170 have signed up for the full marathon, while 550 will compete in the half marathon. Additionally, around 60 schoolchildren are set to participate in the 5 km race and 19 families have registered for the 3 km family run, a special category aimed at inspiring younger generations to embrace running.

The organisers expect international participation from more than 60 runners representing 16 countries, reinforcing the marathon’s growing global appeal since its inception in 2007.

To ensure smooth traffic flow and prioritize athlete safety, Shrestha said that certain sections of the course would be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic. The marathon will kick off at 5:10 am from Dasharath Stadium, passing through Lalitpur and Bhaktapur before concluding with a final lap on the stadium’s running track.

For the first time, pacer setters will be introduced in the half marathon, with international experts guiding runners to achieve their target times. Vijay Boddupalli, an accomplished marathon pacer setter from India, and fitness instructor Rehana Parveen from Bangladesh have been working the event organisers.

An electronic timing system will also be in place for both the marathon and half marathon, aimed at helping professional athletes meet qualification standards for international competitions.

Over 400 volunteers and technical officials will be on hand to ensure the event runs smoothly.

Shrestha urged Kathmandu Valley residents to limit vehicle use for five hours during the race to minimize traffic disruptions and enhance the marathon experience for participants.

This year’s event will also feature the “YourPace Keep Fit Circuit Nepal,” a collaborative initiative between the foundation and inDrive, a rideshare company.

“Running from May 2 to September 25, the program has offered free running training across eight locations in Nepal, targeting 450 participants of all ages and abilities,” said Pavit Nanda Anand of inDrive. “It aims to promote physical fitness and wellness, with participants having the opportunity to join the marathon.”

Race Director Rakesh Bajracharya announced that the Kathmandu Marathon’s route has been officially certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, adding credibility to the event.

The organisers also called on local residents to line the streets to cheer on athletes, emphasizing that widespread community support is vital for the race’s success. “This race can send a positive message about promoting tourism through sports,” Shrestha remarked, underscoring the broader impact of the marathon beyond just the finish line.