While the course is 10km long, the name comes from the ascent and descent of over 1km during the race, the organizers Trail Running Nepal said in a statement released on Wednesday. [break]
According to the organizers, Nepal´s fastest trail runner Sudip Rai will also compete in the event. Rai is the winner of the latest edition of the Everest marathon held in May.
The major event on the trail running calendar in Nepal is the 100km-long Annapurna 100 race on the first of January every year.
About the Shivapuri course, Roger Henke, race director of the Annapurna100 says, "The Shivapuri race course can compete with the best Vertical Kilometre courses around the world. It´s a great mix of hard uphills and downhills, beautiful forest trails, endless stone stairs, all set within moist old-growth subtropical forest, with occasional glimpses across the Kathmandu Valley."
The race has prizes for first three places in men and women´s categories, as well as prizes for the first runners to reach the top. The entry fee for the race is Rs 500 for both Nepalis and foreigners. The prize is also equal for both men and women. The winners in each category will get Rs 10,000 while the runners-up and third position holders will get Rs 7,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively.
The organizers aim to raise awareness about the sport in which Nepal competes at a world-class level. Race organizer Richard Bull says that trail and mountain running is picking up pace quickly around the world and that Nepal has a great potential for the sport.
The organizers added that they want to promote Nepal as a trail running destination to a worldwide audience.
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