100 mile ultra runner in Kathmandu rice field

100 mile race · Single day race · Trail races in Nepal · Ultra Trail

Manjushree Trail Race 2027

Race Information

Date: Fri 17 Apr 2026
Stages: 1
Category: 100 mile race, Single day race, Trail races in Nepal, Ultra Trail
Distance: 100 mi, 100 km, 55 km, 35 km, 24 km
Max altitude: 2400m
Elevation D±: up to 10,000m
Website: manjushreetrailrace.com
Organiser: Trailmandu

Races

Race	Distance	Elevation	Start	Links
100 km	98 km	+10,702m / −10,227m	Fri 12 Mar	ITRA → Website →
100 miler	156 km	+13,032m / −13,032m	Fri 12 Mar	ITRA → Website →
21 km	18 km	+1,822m / −2,027m	Sat 13 Mar	ITRA → Website →
50 km	50 km	+5,094m / −5,065m	Sat 13 Mar	ITRA → Website →
10 km	10 km	+1,021m / −1,021m	Sat 13 Mar	Website →

100 miles around Kathmandu plus 80, 50, 20 & 10 km events

March 12-13, 2027

The Manjushree Trail Race (MTR) is Nepal’s flagship ultra-trail running event centered on the ancient Kathmandu Valley Rim Trail, with the 100-mile (≈175 km) race at its core. First held in 2021, it holds the distinction of being Nepal’s first official 100-mile trail race, inspired by the legend of the bodhisattva Manjushree — who, according to Buddhist myth, cleaved the Chobar Gorge to drain the great lake that once filled the Kathmandu Valley, creating the fertile basin where the city later rose. The race route is thus a symbolic circumnavigation of the valley rim, honoring both cultural heritage and the spiritual narrative of the land.

What sets this race apart is its epic ridgeline route, which traverses all seven summits surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. The course combines technical singletrack trails, steep ascents and descents, forest paths, rocky terrain, and panoramic ridges that offer sweeping views of the valley below and Himalayan ranges beyond. Most of the route lies within parkland and forest, even though the capital city is nearby. With an accumulated elevation gain of roughly ±8,900 m and a cutoff of 49 hours, the 100-mile distance presents both a physical and mental test that rewards strong endurance, navigation, and weather preparedness.

The Manjushree event is more than just the 100-mile race. In 2027 it runs March 12–13, with a program that includes 100 km, 80 km, 50 km, 20 km, and 10 km distances, catering to a broad range of trail runners while building a festive, multi-distance community atmosphere. Spectators and participants alike enjoy communal aid stations, stunning mountain views at sunrise and sunset, and the chance to see the elite on longer courses while enjoying shorter trail challenges.

ITRA/UTMB and Qualifier Info
All principal distances are accredited by ITRA and part of the UTMB/Asia Trail Master series, meaning runners earn valuable ITRA points and qualifiers for broader international series. The 100-mile also serves as a qualifier for Ultra Trail Monte Rosa events, and distances count toward national and global trail rankings.

For International Runners – Travel & Logistics
Most international competitors arrive in Kathmandu via Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), which has flights from major Middle Eastern and Asian hubs. From Kathmandu, race logistics typically include transport to Single Tree/Naagdhunga — the main start/finish area on the valley rim — often arranged by organizers as part of the race package along with accommodation and meals. Kathmandu offers a range of lodging, from guesthouses and hotels in Thamel to boutique lodges near Boudhanath and Patan; many racers arrive early to explore cultural sites and acclimatize to ~1,300–2,400 m elevations before race day. Standard practice is to stay in Kathmandu for at least one night before the start and to coordinate specific transport and bib pick-up details with the race directors in advance.

Link summary