Sunmaya Budha creates history with Lavaredo Ultra Trail Victory

Kathmandu: Nepali ultra-runner Sunmaya Budha from Jumla has achieved a major international milestone by winning the La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail 120K in Italy, one of the most challenging mountain trail races in the world.

Budha completed the race in 13 hours, 33 minutes and 18 seconds, setting a new women’s course record. Her performance broke a long-standing record that had remained unbeaten for 11 years, making the victory even more historic for Nepal’s trail running community.

The Lavaredo 120K is held in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, in the Dolomite mountain range. The race covers around 120 kilometers with an elevation gain of about 5,800 meters, requiring strong endurance, technical mountain running skills and mental strength.

Budha’s victory is being celebrated as a proud moment for Nepal, especially as she comes from Jumla, a region known for producing strong endurance athletes. Her success highlights the growing presence of Nepali runners in international ultra-trail competitions.

The win also adds another major achievement to Budha’s rising international career. Her performance in Italy has further strengthened Nepal’s reputation in global mountain and trail running, inspiring young athletes across the country to dream bigger on the world stage.