Rasuwa, May 19 : Nepal Army’s Khagendra Bhat has won the third edition of the International Langtang Marathon in the men’s category.
NA’s Bhat completed the marathon in 3 hrs 49 minutes 27 seconds. Bharat Khatri and Subash Karki, also of NA came second and third respectively.
In the women’s category, Nirkala Gurung Rai of Solukhumbu came first with a timing of 4 hrs 57 mins 13 secs. Purnima Rai, also from Solu and Sarita Basi of Army Academy Kharipati came second and third respectively.
The winners in both the categories won a cash prize of Rs. 105,000, 78,000 and 52,500 respectively, along with medals and certificates.
A total of 90 athletes including 30 women and five foreigners had taken part in the competition organised by Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal and Rasuwa-Nuwakot Tourism Society.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari had flagged off the marathon that began from Kyangji Monastery, located at an altitude of 3,870 meters. The marathon ended at Syafrubesi after passing through Ghodatbela, Sherpa Gaon and Khanjim.
The Langtang international marathon is being held since 2015 by TAAN with the objective of making it a tourist attraction. It also aims to help rebuild Rasuwa, including the Langtang region damaged in the 2015 Gorkha earthquake.
