Nepali Team Departs for Asia Trail Master Championship Final in Vietnam
October 13, Kathmandu – A 10-member Nepali team has departed for Vietnam to compete in the final of the Asia Trail Master (ATM) Championship. The final race will take place on October 3 in Mu Cang Chai, located in the northwestern region of Vietnam, where 10 trail runners from Nepal will participate. The competition involves a challenging 75-kilometer course with an elevation gain of approximately 3,800 meters. The race will begin at 5 a.m. local time.
The course traverses the hilly terrain of Mu Cang Chai as well as technically demanding jungle areas. Nepal won the ATM team championship title in 2024. The previous season’s delayed final was held on February 28, 2026, in Hong Kong, where Japan secured the championship. This time, the Nepali team aims to reclaim the title.
Individually, Nepal has consistently delivered outstanding performances in the ATM. Priya Rai has won the women’s title consecutively at the 2024 season and the 10th season final held in Hong Kong. The current Nepali team includes Priya Rai, Gopal Tamang, Kalpana Budha, Sunsari Rokaya, Homlal Shrestha, Bishal Rai, Rajyalaxmi Rawal, Dhir Bahadur Budha, Pancharam Budha, and Ang Furba Shrestha. Team management will be handled by Lakshmiprasad Mishra (Ashish).
Several team members earned their spots through ATM selection races held across Nepal. This season, selection opportunities were provided during the Manjushree Trail Race in the Kathmandu Valley, Jumla Rara Ultra Marathon in Karnali, and the Fishtail 100 Ultramarathon in Pokhara. The Manjushree Trail Race, held from April 17 to 19, included ATM qualifier races of 100 miles and 50 kilometers. Jumla Rara Ultra Marathon took place on May 9, followed by the Fishtail 100 Ultra from May 16 to 17, featuring 100 and 50-kilometer qualifier races.
The scope of ATM selection competitions in Nepal is set to expand further in the coming season. The Pokhara Ultra as part of the Pokhara Trail Race Series is scheduled for December 5 and 6, representing the fourth ATM selection race in Nepal for the upcoming championship season. The increase in selection races is creating more opportunities for Nepali runners to qualify for international competitions and broadening Nepal’s participation in Asian trail running.
The Nepali team has expressed gratitude to various organizations and individuals supporting their international participation. The team thanked Nepal Run UK, T8 Hong Kong, Xterra Nepal and Friends, as well as organizers and supporters of the Manjushree Trail Race, Jumla Rara Ultra Marathon, Pokhara Trail Series/Pokhara Ultra, and Fishtail Ultra. Additionally, appreciation was extended to the Nepal Adventure Sports Federation for coordinating approval letters and collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
As the championship final approaches, the Nepali team is focused on the 75-kilometer challenge in Mu Cang Chai, aiming for both individual titles and the national team championship victory.