Rai, Budha win title of Jumla Rara Ultra Marathon

JUMLA: Priya Rai from Khotang and Dhir Budha of Jumla have emerged as the champions in the women’s and men’s categories respectively of the Jumla-Rara Ultra Marathon Tournament.

The 49-kilometer race from Jumla to Rara Lake in Mugu was organized by the Karnali Sports Club, Jumla.

With their victories, Priya and Dhir have each bagged a cash prize of Rs 100,000.

Rajyalaxmi Rawat from Guthichaur rural municipality of Jumla (women) and Dal Kunwar from Tatopani Rural Municipality-7 (men) claimed the second positions, receiving Rs 75,000 each.

Similarly, Anita Budha from Tila Rural Municipality and Sher Bahadur Budha from Kanakasundari-3 secured third positions, receiving Rs 50,000 each.

The competition witnessed the participation of 80 athletes from within the country and abroad. Besides, the main marathon, various short-distance competitions were also organized, including a 5-kilometer open race, a 1-kilometer event for children, a 5-kilometer race for school-level participants, a 1-kilometer run for senior citizens, a 5-kilometer competition among employees, and a 5-kilometer race for the business community.

The primary objective of the event is to promote sports tourism globally and the identity of Karnali province through sports, it is said.