Organizing a press conference in Lumbini, Bikram Pandey, the organizer of the marathon, said they aim to promote Lumbini as the best holiday destination in the world through sports tourism.[break]
"The slogans of the marathon are ´Run for Lumbini for local tourism´ and ´Run for Buddha, run for peace and run for enlightenment´," said Pandey, who also organizes the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon and the Annapurna Marathon under the banner of Himalayan Expeditions.
According to Pandey, the marathon will start from Kudan and meander through Gotihawa, Tilaurakot and end at Lumbini Garden. Around 150 runners, including Nepali Olympians and some high-ranking officials from diplomatic missions, are expected to participate in the event. "Some Buddhist monks will also take part in the marathon for global peace," said Pandey.
Organizer of Lumbani Marathon Bikram Pandey speaks during press meet. Also seen, veteran athlete Baikuntha Manandhar (right). (Courtesy: Lumbini Marathon)
The marathon includes open half-marathon for men (21.1 km), 10-km race for women, 5-km race for students and veterans and 3-km wheelchair race for the disabled. The winner of the half-marathon will get Rs 50,000 while the 10-km race winner will bag Rs 25,000.
The Lumbini Development Trust and the Thai embassy in Nepal support the marathon.
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