EN
Two weeks before the race date King Gyhendra seized power by suspending the National Parliament and the country was isolated from the world communications network. The effects of the political situation were evident in the absence of general tourists in the Kathmandu Valley, but that didn't stop a small but
18 FEBRUARY 2005: TOYOTA KATHMANDU MARATHON, NEPAL
Two weeks before the race date King Gyhendra seized power by suspending the National Parliament and the country was isolated from the world communications network. The effects of the political situation were evident in the absence of general tourists in the Kathmandu Valley, but that didn't stop a small but adventurous contingent of runners from 20 countries, ranging from Germany to Mexico, venturing to the Nepalese capital to run.
From the lavish pasta party at the Crown Plaza Hotel right through to the post-race closing ceremony they experienced the warmth of Nepalese hospitality.
In the marathon city policeman Arjun Dhakal ran away from all others by 10km to finish well ahead. There were also 5km, 10km and Half-Marathon events in which a total of 830 participated. The field was mainly Nepalese but also included a group from US-based Marathon Tours & Travel as well as individual travellers and resident aid workers.
The marathon course provided a tour in itself, taking in the three historic settlements of Kathamandu, Bhaktapur and Pathan, to then return to finish in the National Stadium.
Road running has had a patchy history in Nepal. A Kathmandu Marathon was run in the early 1990s, but competitive running had not been seen on the streets of Kathmandu for 12 years. The reception of runners in the stadium was fulsome, and showed that the marathon is back.
The 5km race saw 450 runners, mainly schoolchildren, run through the capital in what for many was their first race. With the arrival of the 10km field the celebrations began in earnest. Two Nepalese folk bands played and a troupe of traditional dancers performed to a packed crowd. As each subsequent finisher came in they were greeted by riotous applause from the main stand.
Source:
www.aims.org
MEN:
1 Arun DHAKAL NEP 2:36:49
2 Andy COOPER GBR 2:45:25
3 Sam WUERM GBR 2:45:51
4 Moses CHRISTEN USA 3:04:06
5 Dangima SHERPA NEP 3:04:23
6= Ramesh DHOJU NEP 3:09:17
6= Jyam TAMANG NEP 3:09:17
8 Kevin THORPE GBR 3:37:18
9= Falit Man SHRESTHA NEP 3:41:08
9= Michael STAIN GER 3:41:08
WOMEN:
1 Ragina SEHEUER RSA 3:43:48
2 Sarah PARFIT GBR 3:58:22
3 Cindy MCALPINE CAN 4:32:22
HALF MARATHON:
MEN:
1 Jaganath BISTA NEP 1:13:15
2 Yubaraj ADHIKARI NEP 1:18:42
3 Bimsin AWALE NEP 1:22:34
WOMEN:
1 Nirmala BHARATI NEP 1:27:03
2 Hari Devi RAJLAWOT NEP 1:38:07
3 Claudia LOEBEL GER 1:40:01
