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NEPALGUNJ — The Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), the global governing body for world running, has decided to honor Nepal’s Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon with the prestigious AIMS Social Award this year. Selected from race organizers worldwide, this is considered one of the most highly esteemed awards in the international running community.

The award will be officially presented at the 25th AIMS World Congress, scheduled to take place in Tromsø, Norway, from June 18–20.

According to TS Thakuri, the founder of the Nepalgunj Marathon, official confirmation and congratulations were received from Martha Morales, the Vice President of AIMS and coordinator of the selection committee.

A Global Honor Resumed

The AIMS Social Award, which was paused for a few years due to various reasons, is being revived starting this year. By winning this accolade, Nepalgunj Marathon joins an elite roster of past global winners:

In an official letter to Thakuri, AIMS Vice President Martha Morales expressed her delight:

"We are absolutely thrilled to inform you that the Nepalgunj Marathon has been selected as the recipient of this year’s prestigious AIMS Social Award. This award is presented annually to outstanding marathons that demonstrate best practices in race organization and show a powerful commitment to the sustainable development of sports."

"Through this special award, we honor the social initiatives and positive impacts you and your organization have driven within society. AIMS aims to inspire other member organizations to adopt similar excellent practices in their events."

A Journey of Peace, Unity, and Sustainability

The Nepalgunj Marathon has been held uninterrupted since its inception in 2015. Even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was successfully organized under strict government protocols to serve as the official athlete selection trial for the Tokyo Olympics.

The marathon holds deep historical significance. It was launched to commemorate November 21, 2006 (Mangsir 5, 2072 in the Nepali calendar), the day the Comprehensive Peace Accord was signed, officially ending Nepal's 11-year armed conflict. Initially conceptualized as a powerful medium to foster peace, harmony, and unity in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious Nepalgunj, the event has now grown into a massive movement encompassing nearly a dozen sister events:

• Climate Awareness: The Gaughat Green Run and Raptisonari Nature Run have been held for the past two years to educate school children on climate change and adaptation.

• Safety & Inclusivity: Two editions of the Nepalgunj 10K Night Run have been organized to promote nightlife safety.

• Heritage Promotion: The Kathmandu 25K Heritage Race was launched last year to promote Nepali cultural heritage to the world.

• Regional Growth: Expansion into the Karnali Province with the Karnali Half Marathon.

• Intellectual Dialogue: Six editions of the Nepalgunj Conclave (under the Nepalgunj Discourse series) have been successfully organized to promote democratic debate.

• Global Footprint: Last year, Nepalgunj hosted the AIMS Board Meeting alongside the Nepal International Running Conference, drawing delegates from 18 countries. Additionally, the Kohalpur Mile is being launched this year under the 'One Global Mile' initiative.

The organization also continuously publishes Nepal Running Magazine.

A Boost for Nepalese Athletics

Founder TS Thakuri believes the award is a recognition of their continuous innovation and multidimensional impact.

"We want to socialize running and transform it into a culture," Thakuri said. "This international award will give us immense energy and will proudly showcase Nepal to the entire world."

In recognition of his continuous contributions to the sport, AIMS had also appointed Thakuri as its Official Ambassador for Nepal last year.