Indian Army’s Anish Thapa Magar triumphed in the Lumbini International Peace Marathon on Saturday, March 22, completing the 42-km distance in 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 18 seconds. Originally from Parbat district in Gandaki Province, Thapa Magar serves in the Indian Army’s Gurkha Regiment.
He was followed by Sushil Kumar Shahi from the Tribhuvan Army Club, who finished second, clocking 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 25 seconds, while Kenyan runner Stephen Kosgei secured third place with a time of 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 47 seconds.
The top three winners were awarded cash prizes of Rs 350,000, Rs 250,000, and Rs 150,000, respectively.
In the 21-km women’s half marathon, Santoshi Shrestha emerged victorious, finishing in 1 hour, 20 minutes, and 5 seconds. Purna Laxmi Neupane of the Tribhuvan Army Club secured second place with a time of 2 hours, 21 minutes, and 49 seconds, while China’s Chen Wei came third.
They received cash prizes of Rs 150,000, Rs 100,000, and Rs 80,000, respectively.
Held under the theme “Run for Peace,” the marathon was part of the Second Lumbini International Peace Festival.
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song and Nepal Olympic Committee President Jeevan Ram Shrestha presented the winners with cash prizes, medals, and certificates.
The event also featured a 5-km race for students and a 3-km walking competition.
