Arjun and Manju secured first place in Backyard Ultra
KATHMANDU:- Arjun Kulung Rai and Manju Sunuwar have secured first place in the Backyard Ultra 2026. Representing Xtep, Arjun won the men’s category and Manju won the women’s category in the event organized by Ultra Trails Nepal.
Arjun secured the top spot by completing 33 laps, thereby setting a new course record; the previous record stood at 32 laps, held by Hemant Rana.
Manju also set a new course record by completing 14 laps, surpassing the previous record of 12 laps. Both winners received a cash prize of 30,000 rupees each. Cash prizes were also awarded to those finishing in positions ranging from second to tenth place.
Participants were required to cover a distance of 6.7 kilometers in a single loop within one hour; the rule stipulated that any athlete failing to do so would be immediately eliminated from the competition.
Competition Director Diwakar Budha expressed his belief that this type of event would contribute to promoting tourism in Nepal.
According to the organizers, 65 competitors from countries including Nepal, France, the USA, Denmark, Norway, and Switzerland participated in the event. The race began at Matchhegaun in Chandragiri Municipality, traversed various areas, and concluded at the same starting point.
The organizers announced that the Backyard Ultra World Championship will be held in Pokhara on October 17, 2026.
