Pandit´s aim is to cover the distance in 20 hours 20 minutes and 6 seconds during the Republica Jiri to Kathmandu Race to be held on Saturday and Sunday. [break]
On his way to Jiri in an ambulance with a 10-member team, Pandit, however, realized that the task seemed much more daunting than he had imagined.
“The road is quite challenging with lots of ups and downs,” said Pandit, adding, “But I´ll complete the task anyhow.”
Pandit is scheduled to meet President Dr Ram Baran Yadav at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday and hand him black soil and rock to represent symbolically the effect of climate change on soil.
Pandit will run 120 km from Jiri to Khadichaur without a pause on the first day. He will continue the remaining journey of 80 km on Sunday.
This is not the first time Pandit is running a long distance race. This is his fourth race, supported by the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology. Kantipur Valley College, Lalitpur is the organizer of the race. Kathmandu Bern Hardt College is the co-sponsor while Nagarik Hospital, Gatthaghar has provided ambulance for the race. Nepal Republic Media and Avenues Television are the official media for the event.
Pushkar Man Amatya, principal of Kantipur Valley College has pledged to provide scholarship for Pandit for Masters degree in the college. Pandit is currently pursuing his BBA in the college.
Pandit completed his first long distance race of 127 km from Kathmandu to Tatopani in 2008 in 11 hours 20 minutes. The following year, he ran from Swargadwari to Kathmandu and covered a distance of 339 km in 47 hours 20 minutes under the supervision of the National Sports Council.
He claims to have a record of running non-stop for 17 hours.
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