Over 2,500 Participants Register Within 24 Hours for Kathmandu Marathon
June 18, Kathmandu – The prestigious Siddhartha Bank 18th Kathmandu Marathon 2026, a renowned road running event in Nepal, is just 100 days away. Organized by the NRS Sports Foundation, the event will kick off from Dashrath Rangashala on October 10 (Asoj 24). According to the organizers, approximately 10,000 runners are expected to take part this year. Within the first 24 hours of opening registrations, more than 2,500 runners have signed up for the full marathon, half marathon, and 10-kilometer races. Notably, for the first time, 25 women have registered for the full marathon, a milestone that organizers describe as a historic indicator of the growing confidence, courage, and interest of Nepali women in sports.
The competition includes the full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21 km), 10 km, 5 km, and 3 km races. It also features competitions across various age groups, along with categories for open, masters, college, and school-level participants. A special highlight of this edition is the 3-kilometer ‘Family Run,’ allowing at least three family members — mother, father, and child — to form a team and run together. Organizers believe this initiative promotes a healthy lifestyle as well as strengthens family unity. This year, over 120 international runners from countries including India, Norway, the United Kingdom, Poland, Sri Lanka, the United States, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Japan, and France have confirmed their participation, with registrations continuing from other nations as well.
The marathon has evolved beyond a single-day event, incorporating school and college campaigns, collaborations with running clubs, mass runs, and social media initiatives to promote a city-wide sports movement. Positive cooperation with ward offices, local governments, and various organizations aims to make the Kathmandu Marathon 2026 grander, more organized, and vibrant. The slogan for this year’s marathon is ‘Build Healthy Lifestyle.’ With limited seats remaining, organizers have urged interested runners to register as soon as possible.