KATHMANDU, March 11: Registration is now open for the 'Fourth Manjushree Trail Race,' which is set to start on April 5. The race, now in its fourth edition, serves as a qualifying event for the Asia Trail Masters.

The top five finishers in both the 100-mile and 100-kilometer categories of the Manjushree Trail Race will earn spots in the Asia Trail Masters.

The organizers have announced that elite athletes, including those highly ranked in world standings from countries such as China and France, will participate. To date, more than 200 athletes from 10 different countries have submitted their registration forms. Similarly, 100 additional runners will participate in the race through the Stage 5 Race of Trailmandu happening on the same date.

The race is organized by a non-governmental organization known as 'Manjushree Trail Race.' According to Subhash Thapa, the organization's president, this event is part of a mountain sports festival supported by the Government of Nepal and is recognized as an official trail running event.

The Manjushree Trail Race starts from a historic site near the international airport, offering participants a scenic route around the Kathmandu Valley. The event is held annually by Manjushree Trail Race.

In the 2023 edition, 88 competitors participated across four stages, including 67 Nepalis and 21 foreigners. Thapa mentioned that the participants included 69 men and 19 women. Those interested in joining the race can apply through the official Manjushree Trail Race website https://manjushreetrailrace.com/

The route was first conceptualized by world-renowned runners Lizzy Hawker, Seth Wolphin, and Roger Henken in 2015. They established the route in 2016, with Jimmy Oostrom, Raj Pradhan, Narayan Acharya, and others later refining it, including alternative paths. It took about three years to finalize this 170 km route, now also used for sailing and hiking activities by various organizations.

The Manjushree Trail Race is internationally recognized, being affiliated with the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) and Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), which sets global standards for trail running.

Completing the 'Manjushree Trail Race' according to ITRA criteria awards participants with six ITRA points, meeting the minimum qualifications for international trail races.

Winners of the 170 km race will receive cash prizes of Rs 60,000, Rs 40,000, and Rs 20,000 for first, second, and third places, respectively. In the 100 km category, the prizes are Rs 40,000, Rs 25,000, and Rs 15,000, and for the 50 km race, Rs 30,000, Rs 15,000, and Rs 10,000. Similarly, the KVR 100 stage race winners will receive Rs 20,000, Rs 10,000, and Rs 5,000 along with medals and certificates.

 
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