KATHMANDU: Kanchhi Maya Koju of Nepal APF Club set new national record in the women’s marathon while bagging gold in the 10th Kathmandu Marathon here in Kathmandu on Saturday.

Koju completed the distance in two hours, 55 minutes and 57 seconds to surpass Sworupa Khadka’s timing of two hours, 57 minutes and 10 seconds. Khadka, who has been living in USA for more than 15 years, had produced the timing during the Chicago Marathon held in USA in 2013.

“I am overjoyed and surprised as well for setting new national record as there was no such thing in my mind. I increased my speed in middle way after realizing that I could reach the milestone,” said Koju, who added that she did not have proper training for the marathon.

“I had realised that there was lack of training due to my knee problems. My coach Raghu Raj Onta had also said I needed more training for the event,” she added.

Tribhuvan Army Club’s Sarita Basi clocked three hours, 19 minutes and 52 seconds and Lal Kumari Gharti took three hours, 44 minutes and 14 seconds to be second and third respectively.

WINNERS: Nepal Police Club's Bhumi Raj Rai (left) and Nepal APF Club's Kanchhi Maya Koju. Photo: NSJF

Bhumi Raj Rai of Nepal Police Club won the men’s category title. His clocked two hours, 20 minutes and 44 seconds to finish the 42.195 km distance.

“I achieved my target and happy for winning the event. The weather condition was favourable today,” said Rai.

This is fourth marathon title for Rai, who is the champion of eighth edition of the event. He is also the winner of the 40th national marathon and the seventh national games.

Tribhuvan Army Club’s Krishna Basnet (2:21:46) and Rajan Khatri (2: 29:22) took second and third positions respectively.