JUMLA: The seventh edition of the Jumla-Rara Ultra Marathon is set to take place on May 9, 2026, with runners starting at 6:00 am from Khalanga Bazaar, the district headquarters of Jumla, and finishing at Rara Lake in Mugu — one of Nepal's most scenic high-altitude destinations.

Organised by the Karnali Sports Club Jumla, the event features three race categories: a 51-kilometre ultra marathon, a 10-kilometre student run, and a 5-kilometre open run. The marathon carries status as an Asia Trail Master Qualifier and offers both UTMB and ITRA points, giving it significant appeal among serious trail runners across the region and beyond.

Race details and fees

The 51-kilometre ultra marathon carries a registration fee of Rs 3,000 for local runners and Rs 5,000 for others. The 5-kilometre open run — open to employees, industrialists, businesspersons, and general participants — is priced at Rs 500, while the 10-kilometre student run is free for participants under 18. Registration closes on May 3.

Prize money

The ultra marathon offers a top prize of Rs 100,000, with second and third place receiving Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively. Fourth and fifth place finishers will each receive Rs 20,000.

In the 10-kilometre race, prizes of Rs 10,000, Rs 7,000, and Rs 5,000 await the top three finishers.

The 5-kilometre race offers Rs 5,000, Rs 3,000, and Rs 2,000 for the first three places.

Sports tourism and a high-altitude training vision

Ten percent of all registration fees will be directed toward the development of a high-altitude training centre in Jumla — a long-term ambition of the Karnali Sports Club, which was established in 2064 BS with the goal of producing and promoting athletes from the Karnali region.

The club operates under the guidance of Hari Rokaya, a three-time Everest Marathon winner and Guinness World Record holder, who serves as senior athletic coach. The marathon is being organised with the broader aim of promoting the natural beauty and adventure sports tourism potential of the Karnali region.