Yugraj and Sunmaya Budha Triumph in Fifth Rara Trail Run

Jumla: Runners from Jumla dominated the fifth edition of the Rara Trail Run, organized by the Nepali Army, as Yugraj Budha and Sunmaya Budha clinched first place in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.

Held on the scenic 16-kilometer trail around Nepal’s largest lake, Rara, the annual race drew 213 participants from across the country. The event aims to promote tourism in Karnali Province and to develop athletic talent from the grassroots level.

In the men’s division, Yugraj Budha of Kanakasundari Rural Municipality-3 emerged victorious, completing the challenging course in just one hour and twelve minutes. His fellow locals from Jumla, Som Bahadur Rawat of Ward No. 1 and Chandra Rawat of Ward No. 2, secured second and third place, respectively, marking a clean sweep for Kanakasundari.

The women’s race saw a similarly strong showing from Jumla’s athletes. Sunmaya Budha from Patarasi Rural Municipality-2 claimed first place, followed by Kalpana Budha and Rajya Lakshmi Rawal in second and third.

According to Khim Bahadur Adhikari, the head of the organizing unit Hanuman Dhoj Gulma Rara, the top three finishers in both categories were honored with cash prizes, certificates, and medals. North West Division Commander and Lieutenant Colonel Anupajang Thapa presented the Rs 50,000 prize to the first-place winners. The second-place winners received Rs 30,000 from Battalion Commander and Lieutenant Colonel Sanjay Deuja, while Chief District Officer Kamal Prasad Pandey awarded the Rs 20,000 prize to the third-place winners.

In a notable moment, 55-year-old Anupajang Thapa, also a resident of the Northwest, participated as the oldest competitor in this year’s race, underscoring the inclusive and inspirational spirit of the event.

The Rara Trail Run continues to grow in prestige and popularity, reinforcing the Nepal Army’s commitment to fostering sportsmanship and promoting the natural beauty of the Karnali region.