KATHMANDU, April 3: Amid rare discussions and debates about sports in Nepal, the first-ever international running conference will be held in Kathmandu during the last week of Jestha. The Nepal International Running Conference is scheduled for June 6 (Friday) in Kathmandu.
This conference is being organized in collaboration with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), a global marathon body. The event aims to bring together the running community from Asian countries to exchange experiences, learn, and teach, according to TS Thakuri, founder of Nepalgunj Marathon and AIMS representative for Nepal.
Thakuri expressed hopes that this conference will be a significant milestone for Nepal's traditional running community and overall sports development in the country. He said, "This conference is likely the first of its kind in South Asia."
Beauties, build the thick skin
While similar running events have been held in other Asian countries, this will be the first such conference in South Asia, set to begin this year in Nepal. Thailand hosts the Asia Road Race Forum annually, and similar events have been conducted in Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia under the Mass Participation World (MPW) program.
The Nepalgunj Marathon and Race Nepal are organizing the International Running Conference. TS Thakuri, speaking on behalf of Nepalgunj Marathon, explained that the conference would be launched during the AIMS board meeting. A main organizing committee will be formed, including prominent running event organizers from Nepal, figures active in athletics development, and leaders from sectors such as education, sports, tourism, and social and economic fields.
The conference will feature four sessions related to education, sports, and tourism. The first session will feature a special interview with AIMS President Paco Borao, the director of the world-renowned Valencia Marathon.
Other sessions will focus on topics like "Marathons as Social Movements and Phenomena," "Sports and Tourism: Unlocking Economic and Cultural Potential," and "Sustainable Futures through Running: Promoting Health, Education, Climate Action, and Global Unity." Each session will include two foreign and two Nepali speakers, along with a facilitator. The speakers and facilitators will be finalized soon.
The conference will see participation from over two dozen countries, including representatives from Europe, America, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, and South Asian nations.
