The Kathmandu Ultra Marathon is a first-of-its-kind trail running event set in the hills of Pharping and Dakshinkali, on the southern edge of the Kathmandu Valley launching in January 2027, The race brings together elite ultra-runners, weekend adventurers, and first-time trail hikers on a single course that winds past centuries-old stupas, forested ridgelines, and traditional Newari villages.
Kathmandu Ultra is built around the theme “One Path. Endless Experiences,” the event pairs serious sport with culture and community — offering a 50KM Ultra for competitive athletes and a 15KM Fun Run/Hike for families and first-timers. As the first edition of what is intended to become an annual fixture on Nepal's trail-running calendar, this is a rare opportunity for brands to be part of the race's founding story.
Two Distances, One Shared Experience
The Kathmandu Ultra Marathon is designed to welcome participants with different levels of experience.
The 50KM Ultra Marathon is the main competitive race, created for experienced trail and ultra-runners looking for a challenging and scenic course. With varied terrain, climbs, descents, forest sections, village trails, and technical stretches, the race will test endurance, strategy, and mountain-running skills.
For families, beginners, and those looking for a more accessible introduction to trail running, the 15KM Fun Run/Hike provides an opportunity to experience the same atmosphere without the demands of an ultra-distance race.
Whether competing for the podium or simply enjoying a day in the hills, participants share the same path and the same connection with Nepal's landscapes and communities.
A Trail Running Experience in the Kathmandu Valley
What makes the Kathmandu Ultra Marathon unique is its setting.
Pharping and Dakshinkali are located close to Kathmandu, yet the landscape quickly changes from urban surroundings to forests, farmland, traditional settlements, temples, and mountain trails. The area is deeply connected with the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.
Participants will experience trails that pass through historic communities and natural landscapes, creating a race atmosphere that combines adventure and cultural discovery.
For international runners, the event offers an opportunity to experience Nepal beyond the traditional trekking routes. For Nepali runners, it creates a competitive home-ground race where athletes can test themselves against local and international competition.
More Than a Race
The Kathmandu Ultra Marathon is being developed as more than a one-day sporting event.
It aims to create a platform that connects trail running, tourism, local communities, culture, and environmental responsibility. The event will encourage participants and visitors to explore the southern Kathmandu Valley while supporting the communities along the route.
Local villages and businesses can benefit from increased visitor activity, while runners gain a deeper connection with the people and places that make the course unique.
The race also aims to contribute to the growing trail-running culture in Nepal by creating opportunities for local athletes to compete, develop experience, and connect with runners from around the world.
Building Nepal's Trail-Running Future
Nepal is internationally recognized for the Himalayas, trekking, and mountaineering. In recent years, however, trail running and ultra-running have emerged as an exciting new part of Nepal's adventure-sports landscape.
The Kathmandu Ultra Marathon aims to become an important part of this movement.
As the first edition of an event intended to become an annual fixture on Nepal's trail-running calendar, the 2027 race represents the beginning of a long-term vision. The goal is to build a professionally organized, competitive, inclusive, and internationally recognized trail-running event in Kathmandu.
Over time, the event hopes to attract more international athletes, increase participation among Nepali runners, promote responsible trail tourism, and establish the Kathmandu Valley as an exciting destination for trail runners.
An Opportunity for Brands and Partners
The first edition of the Kathmandu Ultra Marathon presents a unique opportunity for brands to become part of the event from the beginning.
Supporting a new trail-running event is not simply about putting a logo on a race banner. It is an opportunity to connect with a growing community of athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, adventure travelers, families, and environmentally conscious consumers.
As trail running continues to grow in Nepal and internationally, the Kathmandu Ultra Marathon can provide partners with a platform to engage directly with this expanding outdoor community.
From the race village and participant experience to digital content, athlete engagement, media exposure, and community activities, partners can become part of the story behind the event.
One Path. Endless Experiences.
The Kathmandu Ultra Marathon brings together different people for different reasons.
Some will come to race 50 kilometers. Some will come to challenge themselves for the first time. Some will come to hike with family and friends. Others will come to discover Nepal's trails, culture, and communities.
But everyone will share the same path.
One Path. Endless Experiences.
The Kathmandu Ultra Marathon 2027 is not only the beginning of a new race. It is the beginning of a vision to bring sport, adventure, culture, community, and nature together on the trails of Kathmandu.
And for athletes, spectators, communities, and partners, this is an opportunity to be there from the very beginning.