GAINDAKOT: Mukesh Bahadur Pal from the Tribhuvan Army Club emerged victorious at the Gaindakot Half Marathon-2024, securing first place with a finishing time of one hour, 16 minutes, and eight seconds. The Nepali Army personnel won a cash prize of Rs 100,000 for his achievement.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Gopichandra Parki of the Armed Police Force claimed the second position, completing the 21-kilometer race in one hour, 17 minutes, and 43 seconds, earning Rs 50,000. The third prize went to Army’s Narendra Singh Rawat, who finished the race in one hour, 18 minutes, and 51 seconds, and received a cash award of Rs 25,000.
The marathon, held in Gaindakot of Nawalparasi (Bardghat-Susta East), saw participation from 141 runners across the country. Other notable finishers included Sanjaya Shrestha, Ramji Basnet, Dhanu Manandhar, Mingarsingh Tamang, and Khem Bahadur Shahi, who each received a consolation prize of Rs 5,000. Single amputee runner Nawaraj Karki from Dolakha also completed the race, earning a consolation prize of Rs 3,000.
In the women’s category, Purna Laxmi Neupane, also from the Tribhuvan Army Club, finished first with a time of one hour, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds, winning Rs 25,000. Anu Magar and Sunima Magar secured the second and third positions, respectively, with times of two hours, 41 minutes, and five seconds, and three hours, one minute, and 37 seconds. They received cash prizes of Rs 15,000 and Rs 5,000.
The event also included a five-kilometer student-friendly run. Manup Thapa of Janak Namuna Secondary School led the boys’ category, finishing in 32 minutes and 35 seconds, and won Rs 10,000. In the girls’ category, Surtana Darai of Bijaya Samudayik Shiksha Sadan School clinched first place with a time of 43 minutes and three seconds, earning Rs 5,000. A total of 302 students from class 10 participated in the race.
Prizes and certificates were distributed by Mayor Madan Bhakta Adhikari and athlete Baikuntha Manandhar. Mayor Adhikari emphasized the municipality’s commitment to fostering sports development, while Krishna Sapkota, Chairperson of Vijaya Development Resource Centre, highlighted the importance of sports in national development.