Excitement builds for Third Pokhara International Mountain Cross-Country Race

Preparations are underway for the much-anticipated Third Pokhara International Cross Country Race, set for November 9, 2024 (Kartik 24, 2081), under the theme “Run for Common Prosperity.” Over 1,200 athletes from various countries will compete across four race categories, showcasing international sportsmanship and unity in Pokhara, Nepal. The event will be complemented by the arrival of a charter flight from Kunming, China, on November 7, bringing 134 participants and supporters.

The event, organized by Pokhara Metropolitan City, the Embassy of China in Nepal, the Nepal Tourism Board, and the Himalayan Tourism Forum, is supported by key organizations from Nepal and China, including the Gandaki Provincial Government of Nepal, National Sports Council- Nepal, Province Sports Council-Gandaki, District Sports Development Committee-Kaski, along with key institutions from China, including the Yunnan Provincial Sports Bureau, the Foreign Affairs Office of Yunnan Provincial People’s Government, Kunming Foreign Affairs Office, Kunming Sports Federation, and Kunming People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

The implementation of the event will be led by the Himalayan Tourism Forum-Pokhara, Yunnan Mountaineering and Outdoor Sports Association, and Kunming Mountaineering and Adventure Association. Likewise, the co-execution partners include Phedikhola Rural Municipality- Syangja, Pokhara Tourism Council, Hotel Association Pokhara Nepal, Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Pokhara Youth Council, Nepalese Young Entrepreneurs Forum-Pokhara Chapter, Lions Club of Pokhara Centennial, Nepal China Friendship Association, Chinese Overseas Association- Pokhara, China Culture Center in Nepal, and the Pokhara Ex-Sportsman Forum.

Event Schedule Highlights:

• November 7: Arrival of a charter flight from Kunming at 2:40 PM at Pokhara International Airport and arrival of athletes from outside Pokhara.
• November 8: Unveiling of Spring City at Basundhara Park, Lakeside at 8:30 AM, a photo exhibition at the International Mountain Museum at 9:30 AM, and athlete registration.
• November 9: Official opening ceremony at 7:30 AM.
• November 10: Free travel day for athletes to explore Pokhara’s attractions.

Race Categories:

1. Team Group Race (50 km): Featuring 27 teams, including 17 from Nepal and 4 from China, participants will run, cycle, and row through scenic routes.
2. Challenge Individual Race (50 km): A rigorous race with an elevation gain of 2,366 meters, drawing 152 athletes.
3. Student Race (5 km): Designed for students, this race has registered 500 participants.
4. Happy Run Race (2 km): An enjoyable event for dignitaries and guests with 579 registered participants.

Prizes and Rewards:

1. Team Group Race: The top five teams win cash prizes, medals, and certificates. First place receives NPR 458,400, second place NPR 343,800, third place NPR 229,200, fourth place NPR 152,800, and fifth place NPR 95,500.

2. Challenge Individual Race: The top ten male and female athletes get cash prizes, medals, and certificates. First place earns NPR 152,800, second place NPR 114,600, third place NPR 76,400, and places fourth to seventh each receive NPR 38,200, while places eighth to tenth receive NPR 19,100.

3. Student Race: The top six male and female students win cash prizes. First place receives NPR 30,000, second NPR 25,000, third NPR 20,000, and fourth to sixth places each get NPR 10,000.

4. Happy Run Group: All participants completing the race will receive certificates.