Kathmandu, March 26

Mahadev Higher Secondary School is organising the Jhiltung National-level Cross Country Race Championship in Kolputar of Nuwakot district on April 1.

The 13.4km race will have with 5km uphill, 2km flat and 6.4km downhill, informed the organisers at a press meet here today.

Mahadev HS School Principal Kedar Prasad Nepal said the objective of the tournament was to attract school children and local youths towards sports. “The competition will also be helpful in promoting the area throughout the country,” said Nepal.

The race will start from Kolputar and go through Bellini, Rajtar, Majhgaun before concluding at Kolputar.

The winners, runners-up and third place finishers in both the men and women categories will get Rs 15,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively. Similarly, fourth to sixth position holders will earn Rs 3,000, Rs 2,000 and Rs 1,000 apiece.

The organisers also informed that a separate 5km race would be organised for school children and the winners will get medals and certificates. Organising committee member Mohan Nepal said around 65 athletes were expected to compete in the open categories, while 100 students would take part in the 5km race. The estimated budget for the championship is Rs 250,000.

Nepal Athletics Association General Secretary Sunil Rajbanshi said the association would provide the organisers with technical support. “We have been focusing on cross country races as we have limited number of such events. Similarly, the area is suitable for the event,” said Rajbanshi.

NAA Vice-president Sushil Narshing Rana hoped that such events would be fruitful in producing long distance athletes and informed that the national players would take part in the competition.