Nepal’s trail running star, Sunmaya Budha, has made history by winning silver at the 2025 World Mountain & Trail Running Championships in Spain.
Competing against over 1,700 runners from 80 countries, Sunmaya finished the challenging ~82 km Long Trail race in 10 hours 23 minutes, securing Nepal’s first-ever medal at this global event. The championship, held in Canfranc‑Pirineos, Spain, tested athletes with steep climbs, technical terrain, and unpredictable weather — all of which Sunmaya conquered with grit and determination.
Nepal’s Rising Trail Running Talent
Hailing from Jumla, Nepal, Sunmaya has trained on high-altitude trails that gave her the endurance and strength needed to compete at the world stage. Her journey is inspiring for young athletes across Nepal and highlights the country’s potential in international trail and mountain running competitions.
Historic Achievement for Nepal
Sunmaya’s silver medal is a milestone for Nepalese trail running. By finishing just behind the winner, Katie Schide of the USA, she showcased that Nepalese runners can compete with the best in the world. Her performance has put Nepal on the global trail running map.
Trail Running and High-Altitude Training
Nepal’s mountains provide an ideal training ground for trail runners. Sunmaya’s preparation involved long-distance endurance training, steep hill climbs, and technical trail running — skills that helped her achieve this historic success.
Inspiring Future Athletes
Sunmaya Budha’s achievement is more than a medal; it is an inspiration for aspiring trail runners in Nepal and worldwide. Her success demonstrates that with dedication, proper training, and perseverance, Nepali athletes can achieve international recognition.