Kathmandu, 17 August
Arjun Kulung Rai and Manju Sunuwar won the men’s and women’s titles respectively at Backyard Ultra 2026, organised by Ultra Trails Nepal.
Competing for Xtep, Rai completed 33 laps to finish first in the men’s category and set a new course record. The previous record was 32 laps, held by Hemanta Rana.
Manju also set a new course record in the women’s category by completing 14 laps. The previous record was 12 laps.
Both winners received a cash prize of Rs 30,000 each. Cash prizes were also awarded to competitors finishing from second to 10th place.
Participants had to complete one 6.7-kilometre lap within one hour. Competitors who failed to complete a lap within the one-hour limit were eliminated from the race.
Race director Diwakar Budha said competitions of this kind could contribute to promoting tourism in Nepal.
According to the organisers, 65 competitors from Nepal, France, the United States, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland and other countries participated in the event.
The race started from Matchegaun in Chandragiri Municipality, passed through various parts of the area and finished at the same location.
The organisers said the 2026 Backyard Ultra World Championship will be held in Pokhara on October 17.
