The Kathmandu Marathon—a race that promised stunning views and a challenging course—delivered all that and a whole lot of unexpected drama. My goal was ambitious: a swift 3 hours and 20 minutes. The reality was a hard-fought sub-4 finish, a time I'm immensely proud of, even if it was beyond my A-goal.

​A Wet Start and Watery Woes

​The moment the starting gun fired, it was clear this wouldn't be a smooth run. The day dawned under a relentless, continuous rain. Pounding the pavement became a game of navigating puddles and avoiding miniature floods. The first few miles felt less like running and more like a water-logged agility test. The constant splash and the unexpected difficulty of pushing off from a water-filled road zapped precious energy. It was a genuine battle against the elements, adding an unforeseen layer of difficulty to an already demanding distance.


​The Charm and Chaos of the Valley

​The unique allure of this race is its route, weaving through the historical and vibrant tapestry of three Kathmandu Valley districts. Running past ancient temples and through bustling neighbourhoods was, at times, truly fascinating. But with charm came the chaos.

​The logistical challenge of an urban marathon became apparent as traffic disturbances crept onto the course. These unplanned interruptions broke the rhythm and mental focus that's so crucial in a long-distance race. You have to adapt, but it certainly doesn't help the clock!

​A Shared Journey: Running with the German

​One of the highlights of the day was the unexpected camaraderie. For a solid 15 kilometers, I ran shoulder-to-shoulder with a fellow runner from Germany. We didn't need many words; the shared pace and determination were enough. It's moments like these that define the running community—a silent, global bond forged on the road.

​Our partnership, however, came to an end near the majestic Pashupatinath Temple. As we approached this spiritual landmark, he began to slow, and I pushed on. It was a friendly farewell, a reminder that on race day, everyone runs their own race.

​The Fueling Fumble: The Lesson Learned

​My sub-3:20 ambition hit its wall not because of the rain or the traffic, but due to a critical error: race day fueling.

​While the spirit was willing, the body's fuel tank ran too low, too soon. The difference between a planned time and the actual finish often comes down to precise nutrition, and I missed the mark. That familiar depletion—the legs getting heavier and the mind slowing—made it impossible to maintain the necessary pace for my goal.

​The Sweetest Finish

​Despite the exhaustion, the weather, and the traffic snags, the final stretch was a pure, electrifying high. Crossing that finish line was an overwhelming moment of release and absolute pleasure. It was more than just a time on a clock; it was a testament to grit, perseverance, and the decision to keep moving forward even when the path was waterlogged and the body protested.

​A sub-4-hour marathon is a victory. It’s a B-goal achieved under A-grade difficulty. The Kathmandu Marathon was a tough teacher, reminding me that the race is only partly about fitness—it’s also about preparation, resilience, and sometimes, just weathering the storm.

​I'll be back on the training road soon, armed with a better fueling plan and ready to take on the next challenge.