{"id":4453,"date":"2024-12-13T16:21:25","date_gmt":"2024-12-13T10:36:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/blog\/"},"modified":"2024-12-16T10:54:04","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T05:09:04","slug":"suman-kulungs-ascent-from-porter-to-trailblazing-champion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/feature\/suman-kulungs-ascent-from-porter-to-trailblazing-champion\/","title":{"rendered":"Suman Kulung: From porter’s stride to global pride"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s a Wednesday morning in the third week of November. As the first light of day shines on the peaks of Solukhumbu, a crisp, biting cold sweeps through the air, carrying the hum of the Himalayas\u2019 timeless energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Tyangboche, Suman Kulung prepares for the 28km final leg of the gruelling Everest Trail Race. The soft rustling of prayer flags and the distant clinking of yak bells accompany a routine he has followed many times before. Yet, something has changed in the past couple of years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Austrian flag sewn onto his running vest silently represents the support that has catapulted him to the forefront of Nepal’s trail running scene. He takes first place in the Everest Trail Race, adding to his three other victories in 2017, 2019, and 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Everest
Suman Kulung has won the Everest Trail Race four times. Photo courtesy: Everest Trail Run<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On December 7, he clinches another win\u2014the Fishtail Race in Pokhara\u2014solidifying his place among the best. His streak of success is not the result of mere luck. It is, rather, a story of grit, global partnerships, and self-belief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fueling Success<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

At the heart of his success is the support of the Dr. Sigrid Schwarzenbacher Foundation<\/strong><\/a>, a non-profit co-founded by Austrian medical doctor Sigrid Schwarzenbacher and Petra Nocker-Schwarzenbacher. \u201cThey\u2019ve supported me at every turn,\u201d the 32-year-old Nepali runner reflects. \u201cThey\u2019ve helped me refine my mindset\u2014teaching me how to train, recover, and believe in myself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Photo Courtesy: Dr. Sigrid Schwarzenbacher Foundation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The foundation\u2019s roots in Nepal stretch back 15 years to Dr. Schwarzenbacher’s first visit to Dhulikhel Hospital<\/strong><\/a>, located just 30 km east of Kathmandu. During her two-month medical residency, she also explored Nepal’s landscapes and communities. There, she built a strong bond with the people. This connection led her to collaborate with local organisations. With Nocker-Schwarzenbacher by her side, they began organising medical camps in remote areas, focusing on the Manaslu region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since 2017, they have organised medical camps in the Manaslu region every two years, partnering with Austrian doctors to provide essential care and supplies to remote communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the COVID pandemic in 2022, while running camps in Prok and Philim in the Manaslu region, the visiting philanthropists encountered Kulung, who was then working as a porter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His athletic build and tireless work ethic hinted at untapped potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe learned through a translator that he was already an accomplished trail runner in Nepal,\u201d Nocker-Schwarzenbacher says. He was leading a dual life, juggling his passion for trail running with the demanding work of being a porter to support his family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Humble Beginning<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Kulung\u2019s journey as a trail runner began humbly in the rugged landscapes of Solukhumbu, where he worked as a porter and mountain guide. His endurance was forged in the mountains, and his passion for running evolved naturally from his connection to the terrain. He quickly made his mark on the competitive scene, debuting at the Annapurna 100 in 2014, where he secured 11th place. This performance sparked his passion for competitive running. By 2015, he finished 20th at the Vibram Hong Kong 100 in a field of over a thousand competitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was running in worn-out sneakers, navigating technical descents with an agility born out of necessity rather than formal training. But he persevered through limited resources and training. In 2017, Kulung secured his first major victory at the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon, which gave him local recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it was that chance encounter with Dr. Schwarzenbacher and Nocker-Schwarzenbacher in 2022 that ultimately led to his gaining broader international recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe knew he had the potential for so much more with the right resources and training,\u201d says Nocker-Schwarzenbacher. They offered him an opportunity to train professionally in Austria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There was, however, one obstacle: his lack of English proficiency. His sponsors, recognising the importance of language skills in his new training environment, urged him to learn English. Kulung embraced the challenge and began taking English lessons as soon as he could afford them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBy the end of March, he called us, saying, \u2018I\u2019m ready to come to Europe,\u2019\u201d she recalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monumental Shift<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Photo Courtesy: Dr. Sigrid Schwarzenbacher Foundation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In July 2023, Kulung landed in Austria and spent six weeks undergoing professional training. Moving from the rugged trails of Nepal to the structured world of professional training in Austria was a monumental shift. It marked not just a geographical transition, but an introduction to a different way of life and sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was overwhelming,\u201d Kulung admits. But he was determined to embrace it as a growth opportunity. The trail races he participated in during his time in Austria were a completely new experience. Trail running in Europe is characterised by a high level of professionalism. Elite athletes follow structured training plans, undergo medical monitoring, and receive professional coaching.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Photo via Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

To support him in maintaining this level of performance, the foundation ensured he had access to all necessary resources. Three weeks after his arrival, Kulung underwent his first sports medical evaluation, which provided critical data to guide his training. But just as important as the data was having a dedicated coach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The foundation brought in Harald Viertlmayr, an expert in sports science and former professional footballer with coaching experience at FC Red Bull Salzburg to mentor Kulung.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Hari has been the perfect guide for Suman,\u201d notes Nocker-Schwarzenbacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Viertlmayr refined Kulung\u2019s training to focus on endurance, recovery, mental toughness, and nutrition. This comprehensive approach helped him adapt to the demands of elite-level running. It was also a steep learning curve. Kulung shares, \u201cI learned the importance of rest, efficient training, and proper nutrition. These elements were new to me, but I embraced them fully.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Life After Running<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

While training in Austria, Kulung also discovered skiing, adding a new skill to his athletic repertoire. Nocker-Schwarzenbacher, who runs the Br\u00fcckenwirt hotel in St. Johann\/Pongau, Salzburg, valued career stability and helped prepare him for life after running. She guided him towards restaurant management, providing an additional layer of security for his family\u2019s future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSuman\u2019s rise is not just about his athletic accomplishments,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s about giving him the tools to build a life after running. The goal is to ensure a sustainable future in every way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Photo via Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Along with a few foundation members, she has personally provided support worth around $12,000 annually. She coordinated his work schedule with his training plan to boost preparation for summer races.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a productive winter in Europe, Kulung travelled to Nepal for races, staying in touch with his coach in Austria. Unfortunately, his parents fell ill, affecting his training. But, he chose to compete in the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon in May and finished second. However, his deviation from the prescribed training plan frustrated his coach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was a humbling experience that prompted Kulung to reflect on his goals. \u201cIt made me ask myself: \u2018Do I want to be just a good trail runner or one of the world\u2019s best?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With renewed focus, Kulung threw himself into the training regimen that Viertlmayr tailored for him. His versatility shone as he started achieving remarkable results in diverse terrains and distances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He excelled in the UTMB Master Series<\/a><\/strong>, with top finishes in prestigious races like the Istria UTMB (eighth place), the Asiago 50K (first place), and the Fieberbrunn KAT100 (4th place). His victory at the adidas Terrex Infinite Trail in September and a strong sixth-place finish at the Slovenia Master Series by UTMB marked his ascent to the global stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Suman Kulung won the 50K adidas Terrex Infinite Trails 2024 in Bad Hofgastein, Austria on September 7, 2024. He completed the 44.2km course in 4 hours, 41 minutes and 54 seconds. Photo Courtesy: UTMB<\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Enormous Potential<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Coach Viertlmayr believes his ward has the potential to become one of the world\u2019s top long-distance trail runners. Kulung\u2019s success embodies the mission of the Dr. Sigrid Schwarzenbacher Foundation, which focuses on medical, social, and educational empowerment. Now, it also recognises the untapped potential of trail running in Nepal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe believe trail running has enormous potential in Nepal,” says Nocker-Schwarzenbacher, “and we\u2019re committed to creating pathways for other athletes, just as we have for Suman.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kulung\u2019s journey is more than a personal triumph\u2014it is a story of how talent, when coupled with opportunity and the right support, can propel someone from humble beginnings to international stardom. His success is an inspiration not just to Nepal\u2019s budding trail runners but to all who dream of reaching their highest potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe mountains have always been my home, but now they are my stage,\u201d Kulung says, his gaze fixed on the horizon. His eyes reflect the promise of a future shaped by trails, dreams, and determination.<\/p>\n

Related Images:<\/h3>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Empowered by Austrian non-profit Dr. Sigrid Schwarzenbacher Foundation, the Solukhumbu trail runner’s story reflects grit, global partnerships, and Nepal’s untapped potential in trail running.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4463,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4453","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature"],"acf":[],"author_meta":{"display_name":"Suman Malla","author_link":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/author\/suman\/"},"featured_img":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Suman-Kulung-Italy-300x225.jpg","coauthors":[],"tax_additional":{"categories":{"linked":["Feature<\/a>"],"unlinked":["Feature<\/span>"]}},"comment_count":0,"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 2 \u0935\u0930\u094d\u0937 ago","modified":"Updated 2 \u0935\u0930\u094d\u0937 ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on 13 \u0921\u093f\u0938\u0947\u092e\u094d\u092c\u0930 2024","modified":"Updated on 16 \u0921\u093f\u0938\u0947\u092e\u094d\u092c\u0930 2024"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on 13 \u0921\u093f\u0938\u0947\u092e\u094d\u092c\u0930 2024 16:21","modified":"Updated on 16 \u0921\u093f\u0938\u0947\u092e\u094d\u092c\u0930 2024 10:54"},"featured_img_caption":"[:en]Nepali trail runner Suman Kulung triumphed at the StrafeXpedition 2024 in Italy. He dominated the 170-runner field to complete the 43km course in 4 hours, 17 minutes and 10 seconds. Photo via Facebook<\/em>[:]","series_order":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4453","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4453"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4453\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4560,"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4453\/revisions\/4560"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4463"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4453"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4453"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/8850media.com\/np\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4453"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}