Ilam: A ‘Red Panda Marathon’ is scheduled to take place in Ilam with the objective of enhancing tourism in the area. The marathon is being organized to commemorate International Red Panda Day on September 20, beginning from the headquarters of Ilam and stretching to the Nepal-India border at Sandakpur Danda, as stated by Ram Rimal, the program director of Deepjyoti Youth Club.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Deepjyoti Youth Club is spearheading the marathon with the support of the Red Panda Network and Sandakpur Rural Municipality. Male and female participants will cover a distance of 44.2 kilometers, starting from the market square in Ilam, situated at an altitude of 1,120 meters, and concluding at Sandakpur Danda, which is at an altitude of 3,610 meters. The event is expected to see participation from over 100 athletes nationwide, including members of the Nepal Army, Armed Police, and Nepal Police.
The organizer, Deepjyoti Youth Club, has announced that the winners in both male and female categories will receive Rs 150,000 for first place, Rs 100,000 for second place, Rs 50,000 for third place, and Rs 30,000 for fourth place. Additionally, a separate competition is planned for local athletes from Ilam, Panchthar, and Taplejung, with prizes of Rs 25,000 for first place, Rs 20,000 for second place, Rs 10,000 for third place, and Rs 5,000 for fourth place in both men’s and women’s categories.