Rai and Sherpa reign supreme in KVR 100-mile finale
Facing brutal climbs and relentless descents, Rai and Sherpa overcame exhaustion to claim victory in Nepal’s first-ever 100-mile stage race, cementing their dominance on the trails.
8850 Media
Lokendra Rai and Sonima Sherpa have won the final stage of the Kathmandu Valley Rim (KVR) 100-Mile Stage Race Challenge in the men’s and women’s sections.
The first-ever 100-mile stage race in Nepal, organised by Trialmandu, culminated on Saturday with a 32-km final leg. The fifth and final stage drew 56 runners, including 20 international participants, reinforcing Nepal’s status as an emerging hub for endurance sports.
Facing steep climbs, punishing descents, and sheer exhaustion, Rai and Sherpa persevered, proving their resilience in this challenging race.
Rai dominated the men’s category, finishing the fifth stage in an impressive 3 hours, 46 minutes, and 44 seconds. His closest rival, Prabin Tamling, crossed the line at 3 hours, 57 minutes, and 40 seconds, followed by Ram Chandra Mahatara in 4 hours, 8 minutes. Their performances underscored the fierce competition and extreme physical demands of the course.
In the women’s category, Sherpa claimed victory with a commanding time of 5 hours, 3 minutes, and 40 seconds. She was trailed by Annie Mai Ban at 5 hours, 22 minutes, and 8 seconds, with Anisha Gurung rounding out the podium in 5 hours, 51 minutes, and 44 seconds. Each runner’s grit and determination were on full display as they navigated Nepal’s rugged and unpredictable trails.
The last leg presented a big challenge even for the seasoned athletes, with a staggering 2,700 metres of elevation gain. The highest point, Chandragiri Peak at 2,600 metres, loomed ahead—a true test of both physical strength and mental resilience.
The challenge began with a relentless ascent to Champa Devi Temple peak, immediately competitors’ endurance. From there, another punishing climb led to Bhasmasur peak, offering a brief yet breathtaking panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley and the distant Himalayan range. However, there was little time to soak in the scenery. A sharp descent delivered runners to Deurali, where a crucial checkpoint allowed a fleeting moment to refuel before the gruelling final stretch.
From Deurali, the course continued upward towards Chandragiri peak, a seemingly endless climb that drained every ounce of energy from the runners. The descent that followed was just as brutal, leading to the Nagdhunga highway and the last checkpoint. With aching legs and burning lungs, the athletes faced one final push: a taxing climb to Kalu Pandey, before digging deep for the final charge to the finish line at Single Tree, Ichangu Narayan.
The race’s triumphant completion signified more than just a competition—it embodied the essence of human endurance, adventure, and the indomitable spirit of ultra-running.
The KVR Challenge is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the country’s premier ultra-running events, attracting both seasoned international competitors and Nepal’s rising trail stars. It stands as an open invitation for athletes to test their limits on some of the world’s most awe-inspiring yet unforgiving trails.
Next on the calendar, the Manjushree Trail Race is set to take place from March 14 and 15, promising another exhilarating showdown on Nepal’s legendary trails.
