Kathmandu will host the Nepal International Running Conference on June 6, 2025. This major event is being organized in partnership with the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), the global governing body for marathon races.
A First for Nepal and South Asia
According to TS Thakuri, founder of the Nepalgunj Marathon and AIMS ambassador for Nepal, the conference aims to unite the running community from different Asian countries. “This will be a great opportunity for runners and event organizers to share knowledge and experiences,” he said. “We hope it will help develop running culture in Nepal and contribute to the growth of sports in the country.”
While similar conferences have taken place in other Asian nations, this will be the first of its kind in Nepal and likely in South Asia. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia have previously hosted similar forums under the Mass Participation World (MPW) program.
Organizers and Key Participants
The event is being organized by Nepal Running Race and Nepalgunj Marathon. A special committee, including top marathon organizers, sports professionals, educators, and tourism experts, will be formed to oversee the planning.
The conference will coincide with the AIMS board meeting, making it an important event for the global marathon community.
Sessions and Guest Speakers
The conference will feature four key sessions focusing on education, sports, and tourism. Some of the highlighted topics include:
- Marathon as a Social Movement and Phenomenon
- Sports and Tourism: Creating Economic and Cultural Opportunities
- Running for a Sustainable Future: Health, Education, Climate Action, and Global Unity
A special interview will be held with Paco Borao, President of AIMS and race director of the famous Valencia Marathon. The conference will also welcome leading experts from major marathons worldwide.
Each session will include four speakers (two international and two Nepali) along with a facilitator. The final list of speakers and facilitators will be announced soon.
International Participation
The event is expected to welcome representatives from over 24 countries, including nations from Europe, the Americas, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, and South Asia.
With Nepal stepping into the global spotlight, this conference is set to boost the country’s sports, tourism, and international presence in the running community.