Kritika Hyawmika and Salman Sheikh Win Heritage Run in Women’s and Men’s Categories
Kathmandu Metropolitan City hosted a 10,000-meter Heritage Run where Kritika Hyawmika emerged victorious in the women’s category, while Salman Sheikh claimed first place in the men’s category. The race, held Sunday morning starting from Basantapur, saw Kritika complete the distance in 51 minutes 58.5 seconds, and Salman finish in 38 minutes 56 seconds.
In the women’s competition, Jenisha Rai secured second place by finishing in 54 minutes 23 seconds, and Nisha Maharjan took third with a time of 58 minutes 25.8 seconds. Among men, Sameer Kandangwa came second with 40 minutes 25.8 seconds, and Suraj Shahi finished third with a time of 44 minutes 22.8 seconds.
A total of 704 participants registered for the race, including 152 women and 552 men, of which 550 started the competition within the designated time. Sunita Dangol, Acting Chief of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, awarded medals and certificates to the winners. The event aimed to celebrate the city’s cultural and historical heritage and promote a culture of walking.
During the award ceremony, Acting Chief Dangol highlighted that the beauty, daily life, and heritage of Kathmandu can be better appreciated on foot. Mukti Ram Aryal, Chief Administrative Officer, noted that the metropolitan authority prioritizes sports in the pursuit of building a healthy city. The oldest participant was 75-year-old Mangaldas Tandukar.
The race also featured notable participants, including Australian Paralympic medalist Katrina Webb, Nepali athlete Santoshi Shrestha, and Olympian Haribahadur Rokaya. Covering 13 wards of the metropolitan area, the run began at 6 a.m. from Basantapur Dabali and passed through Asan, Jamal, Durbar Marg, Narayanhiti, Naxal, Handigaun, Maligaun, Sifal, Gausala, Maitidevi, Dillibazar, Bhadrakali, Sahid Gate, Dharahara, and Nyrod before finishing back at Basantapur. The Heritage Run was held on the eve of the Kathmandu Film Festival.