the viewing deck: The North Face Kathmandu Ultra Trail Run 2016 (12km)

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

The North Face Kathmandu Ultra Trail Run 2016 (12km)

feeling the first time experience of winter trail running in Nepal

January 02, 2016

My enthusiasm in running started from a simple 5km distance only when I was in Philippines from 2008 until 2011. Then, when I worked in Kuwait, I engaged myself in 10km which is the lowest distance that time. I thought I can't finished those race because my calves has low endurance level and I have breathing issues. I usually finished my 5km run at around 50% lower rank while 10km run at around 40% lower rank. This means that the purpose why I got interested in running is to force myself to the limit and at least take the hype on the road.

Kathmandu Trail Run 2016 has 4 categories, 12km, 27km, 50km and 80km. I'ts my first time to join and I honestly think I don't have the stamina and endurance that's why I only chose 12km. During the race, from initial 2km to 3km trail it's a little bit tough because of a very steep an slippery trails going up. Good thing I just used my trekking shoes and did not bother to double layer my suit as my sweat was getting pump in the morning. Then at the 3km onwards, all racers got lost because there are no more identifiable markers, ribbons and signs for us to move forward. Good thing in 4km mark descent, the organizers arrived and pointed the right decision. Together with the Japanese and Dutch couple I met, we continuously tracked the right trail until the finish line. I think I was in the 30% upper rank among an almost hundred 12km finishers.

I joined North Face Kathmandu Ultra 12km category because I want to experience the feeling of running on the off-road, to let my trekking interest be upgraded somehow. Fortunately, during my Nepal visit the event was within my visa duration. From Himalayas trekking to Kathmandu Valley Trail running... to know more about North Face Kathmandu Ultra, please visit this link. Entry Fee is 1,700 NPR ($17) which includes race shirt, race bib, transportation from/to race location, breakfast and meal after race. The event was held in Godawari, just southern pat of Kathmandu at around an hour travel.