KATHMANDU, MARCH 3
The Fifth Edition of the Khijidemba Ultra Trail Race 2024 reached its thrilling conclusion in Okhaldhunga on Saturday, with Karan Rawal and Priya Rai emerging as the top winners.
In the Men's event, Karan Rawal of Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) claimed victory with an impressive time of 4:18:23. Rajan Meyongba, also from TAC, secured the runner-up position in 4:21:23. Ramesh Limbu of Panchthar and Shakti Ram Roka of Rukum secured the second and third runner-up spots, finishing the race in 4:26:20 and 4:34:49, respectively.
In the women's division, Priya Rai of Khotang finished the race in 5:43:29, clinching the top spot, closely followed by Nirmala Rai, also from Khotang, finishing at 5:43:51. Humi Budha Magar of Pyuthan secured third place with a time of 5:47:07, while Chhoki Sherpa of Okhaldhunga secured fourth place, finishing in 5:51:31.
At the local level, Prithi Lal Rai of Manebhanjyang clinched the top spot among men with a time of 4:58:0, followed by Dev Raj Sunuwar of Khijidemba-6 with 4:59:0, and Dhan Bhadur Tamang of Khijidemba-5 in third place with 5:19:0.
In the Women's local level event, Padam Kumari Sunuwar emerged victorious, finishing the race in 5:33:01. Hiru Maya Bhujel and Anita Sunuwar secured the second and third positions, completing the race in 6:19:00 and 6:29:00, respectively.
Cash prizes of Rs 70,000, Rs 60,000, Rs 50,000, and Rs 25,000 were awarded to the top four finishers in both men's and women's events. Additionally, the top three positions in the local level events received Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000, and Rs 10,000, respectively.
The trail, starting from Khijifalate Bazaar of Khijidemba Rural Municipality-5, winded its way through Chuplung Bhanjyang, Tholedemba, Taklung, Lamuje, Bulbule, Phakse, Khundurke, Dorakharka, Taur, Chuplung Bhanjyan, Dobre Bhanjyang, and concluded back at the Khijilaphalate Bazaar.
Organized by Okhaldhunga Tourism Development Committee and co-organized by Khijidemba Rural Municipality, the race commenced at 7:00 am on Saturday, attracting a total of 51 athletes, including 19 male and 32 female participants.
