Damauli, January 30

Khagendra Bahadur Bhat of Tribhuvan Army Club won the second Open Byas City Ultra Marathon here today.

Bhat, the winner of the Liglige Race held last year in Gorkha, completed the 44km distance in two hours and 53 minutes to finish first ahead of fellow TAC athlete Navaraj Saud. Defending champion Saud completed the race in three hours and two minutes.

Bhumi Raj Rai of Nepal Police Club was third in three hours and 14 minutes, finishing ahead of Durga Budha, Kiran Bogati, Surendra Chapagain, Bishal Gurung and Suman Kulung, who took consolation prizes of Rs 5,000 each. Top three athletes received Rs 80,000, Rs 60,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively.

Legendary marathon runner Baikuntha Manandhar and veteran athlete Kanchhi Maya Koju handed over the prizes to the winners of the race that started at Manung Danda and ended at Pulimaryang. A total of 106 athletes took part in the event organised by Byas Municipality to promote tourism in the area.

Meanwhile, Byas Municipality felicitated Legendary marathon runner Baikuntha Manandhar and veteran athlete Kanchhi Maya Koju during the opening ceremony of the race. Senior leader of Nepali Congress Ram Chandra Paudel honoured the duo with shawl and letter of felicitation.