KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 19

The Nepal Veterinary Association organised a half marathon in Kathmandu to raise awareness about the significance of protein among the general population, on Saturday.

The marathon themed "Run of Protein" was inaugurated at Dasharath Stadium by Minister for Youth and Sports Maheshwor Gahatraj, with Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun presenting the awards and certificates.

The association had organised seven different types of races including half marathon to spread awareness among the people about increasing access to protein products by realising the importance of protein and the right to protein.

Around 2100 participants took part in various categories.

During the event, the association held seven various types of races, including a half marathon, to raise public awareness about the value of protein and the right to protein by recognising the relevance of protein.

Santoshi Shrestha of Bhaktapur set a new national record in the women's half marathon, finishing in one hour 14 minutes and 14 seconds.

Tirtha Pun of Baglung came in first in the men's half marathon with a time of 1:03:45.

In the 10 kilometres open race, Mukesh Pal of Tribhuvan Army Club completed the race in 30 minutes and 59 seconds.

The 5km Women's Open race was won by Rajpura Pachhai of Nepal Police Club in 22 minutes and 41 seconds.

Prakash Kathayat won the five-kilometre men's school event in 21 minutes, while Bandana Budha completed the three-kilometre women's school race in 17 minutes and 31 seconds.

Meanwhile, Prem Bahadur Bk bagged first place in the wheelchair race.

The winners of the half marathon received the purse of Rs 100,000, the 10km open race winner received Rs 50,000, and the winners of the five-kilometre women's race, five-kilometre men's school open, three-kilometre women's school race, and wheelchair categories each received Rs 30,000.

The race was recognised by the Nepal Athletics Association and provided technical assistance.