JUMLA, MAY 7 Preparations for the seventh edition of the Jumla-Rara Ultra Marathon scheduled for May 9 have been completed, organisers said. Organised by the Karnali Sports Club, the event aims to promote sports tourism and publicise the trekking route linking Jumla and Rara Lake in Mugu district. According to club chairman Saroj Shahi, more than 1,000 athletes have confirmed participation in different race categories. A total of 135 athletes will compete in the 54-kilometre ultra marathon, while 650 participants will join the five-kilometre race and 200 others the 10-kilometre race. Athletes from India, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Italy are expected to participate. Participants from India and France have already arrived in Jumla. Chief District Officer Dipak Kumar Paudel said the event would help promote adventure tourism in Karnali Province. (With inputs from RSS)