The Nepalgunj Night Run, the only 10-kilometre race held in Nepal, is now establishing its presence on the global racing stage by formally affiliating with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

The night event began last year along Surkhet Road on Asoj 3 (mid-September) to commemorate Constitution Day.

With this affiliation, Nepalgunj has become the first city in Nepal to host two AIMS-recognised events—Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon and Nepalgunj Night Run.

The Nepalgunj Marathon’s route is considered the easiest in all of Nepal. Now that it has received AIMS membership, these races will be listed in AIMS’ global calendar, contributing to the city’s international recognition.

“This will help with the city’s branding and keep foreign participants updated,” said TS Thakuri, founder of the Nepalgunj Marathon and AIMS’ representative in Nepal.

Under the Nepalgunj Marathon, other annual races are also held, such as the Kathmandu 25K Heritage Run, Karnali Half Marathon, and Gaughat Green Run. According to Thakuri, preparations are underway to gradually secure AIMS recognition for these races as well.

Last month, during the Kathmandu 25K Heritage Race and the Nepal International Running Conference held in Kathmandu, an AIMS board meeting also took place. During that visit, AIMS President Paco Borao of Spain observed the Nepalgunj Marathon route in person.