Kathmandu Marathon runner reviews and race reports
Stories from those who ran it first.
From the joy of finishing to the tough moments — read what runners wrote themselves.
Race reports: 1
Nirmal LamsalFinish time sub 4 hours
“The day dawned under a relentless, continuous rain.”
The Kathmandu participant recorded dealing with rain, puddles, and vehicle interference from the course, while enjoying the temples, neighborhood scenery, and experience of running alongside other runners.
We translated a short line from each public race report and summarized the experience. Finish times are as stated by the author, and past editions may differ from this year's weather and operations.
See it on video, feel it through their stories.
Preview the course and read what runners who went before you wrote.
About Registration for international participants · Marathon · Registration for international participants · Half · Registration for international participants · 10K · Registration for international participants · 5K · University category registration · International entry for the 3K student category · International entry for the 3K Open category · 3K Family Division for International Participants · 3K Open Division Registration · 3K Student Division Registration · 3K Family Division Registration
Registration for international participants · Marathon
Entry cost $100
Marathon (42.195 km) category for international participants
Regular: $100 / Late entry: $120.
Citizens of SAARC countries and Non-Resident Nepalis (NRN) receive the discounted rate of $30
Know the course and time limit, and race day comes into focus.
Runners start · local timeFrom 05:30
Time limit5 hours
Show more
Full marathon 5 hours · half marathon 3 hours and 30 minutes · 10K 1 hour and 30 minutes
Event
Gather
Start
Time limit
Marathon42.195km
05:00
05:30
5 hours
Half Marathon21.097km
05:00
05:30
—
10K10km
06:00
06:30
—
5K College5km
06:00
06:30
—
5K Open5km
06:00
06:30
—
3K Family Run3km
06:00
06:30
—
3K Open3km
06:00
06:30
—
3K School3km
06:00
06:30
—
Full marathon International participants US$100 (US$120 for the section at the time of the survey, 9/1 to 9/7) · Nepalese nationals Rs.1,500 (9/1 to 9/7, Rs.2,500) · SAARC/foreigners residing in the country US$30 3-stage pricing system (early price, regular price, last-minute price), segmentation by item and nationality (Nepal/International/SAARC). Half marathon·10K·5K·3K are lower amounts.
Runners start · local time — Marathon 05:30 · Half 05:35 · 10K 06:30 · 5K 06:35 · 3K 07:00
The Kathmandu Marathon starts and finishes at Dasharath Rangasala Stadium in Tripureshwar, following a loop course.
It crosses the three historic cities of the Kathmandu Valley—Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur—and passes Shahid Gate (Martyrs' Gate),
Ghantaghar (Clock Tower), the Dharahara Tower area, Thimi and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
The route also includes the area near the Narayanhiti Palace Museum.
At course points, runners can see temples and traditional architecture of UNESCO World Heritage significance,
making the event a combination of a race and a tour of the Kathmandu Valley's history and culture.
World Athletics Label
Label Label
AIMS Certified
Member race of the AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races)
Typical race-season temperature: around 19°C (66°F)
Short sleeves — hydrate for the warmth
Participant benefits
Timing chip
Medical support
Water stations
Finisher medal
Event T-shirt
Finisher certificate
Bag drop
Finisher T-shirt
Bib
Timing chip (marathon·half marathon·10K only)
official t shirts
Finisher medal
Digital participation/finisher certificate
water, fruit
Goods bag
Where and when to collect your Kathmandu Marathon race bib
To the start line, step by step.
Pick up your bib, check your wave. So on race morning, you can just run.
From the 2025 edition
Pick up your bib at the expo
International participants must present a passport, while foreign residents must present a valid work permit. A proxy may collect materials with an authorization letter or registration confirmation. Bib will not be distributed under any circumstances after October 9, so race-day collection is unavailable (10K materials will be distributed separately from October 2–3). 10/8 (Thursday)~10/9 (Friday) (time not announced)
Nepal Squash and Racquets Association premises, Satdobato, Lalitpur
Dasarath Rangashala, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu (report at Tripureshwor Road, in front of Dasarath Stadium)
Participants report to Tripureshwor Road, in front of Dasarath Stadium. Marathon reporting by 5:00 AM (start 5:30 AM); 10K reporting by 6:00 AM (start 6:30 AM).
Parking near Dharahara area suggested; school/college group buses may park in Dasarath Rangashala area. No road closure or traffic diversion details published on official site.
A 'collector van' (broom wagon) is mentioned for runners unable to finish within cut-off time, but this is not a shuttle to the start -- no dedicated shuttle bus service mentioned anywhere. Finish-line location not stated on any official page checked.
Local buses, microbuses, and three-wheeled tempos charge roughly NPR 15-30 per ride, paid in cash to the conductor — carry small bills. Most foreign visitors skip the informal bus network in favor of ride-hailing apps (Pathao, InDrive) or a taxi (agree the fare upfront or insist on the meter).
Sajha Yatayat's card reader experiment never gained traction — expect cash-only in practice.
