KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 9

The Mira Rai Initiative is gearing up for the "Stupa to Stupa International Trail Race" set to kick off on Saturday, February 10.

The Mira Rai Initiative is the organisation established by the renowned trail runner Mira Rai and has been organizing trail races under the MRI Trail Run Series.

The race is expected to draw in 250 athletes and runners from 15 countries, including Nepal. The race is divided into two categories -a challenging 55-km race and a slightly shorter 35-km one-the competition will commence from Swyambhu Stupa and Mudkhu respectively, both culminating at Bouddha.

In the 55-km race, the winners in both male and female divisons will win a champions trophies, cash prizes, and certificates. The winners will receive Rs 50,000, with the runner-up walking away with Rs 30,000, and second and third runner-up receiving Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively. Even the fifth finishers will receive a cash prize of Rs 5,000, according to the organizers.

Likewise, the winners of the both divisions in the 35-km race category will also receive champions trophies, and Rs 20,000, and the runner-up will pocket Rs 10,000. The third and fourth positions will also also be rewarded with Rs 5,000 and Rs 2,000 cash prizes respectively.

All participants will be recognized for their efforts with certificates and medals, ensuring that every contender goes home with a memento of their accomplishment.

It's worth noting that only athletes who completed the online registration before February 8th are eligible to compete in this event.