By Sachit Subba • Other Sports • Mar 21, 2026 14:15 PM • 27 views
LUMBINI – The Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) swept the men’s podium and reclaimed the women’s half-marathon title at the 4th Lumbini International Peace Marathon 2026, excelling against strong domestic and international competition.
The men’s full marathon saw TAC athletes claim the top three positions: Binod Rokaya won in 2:17:55, earning Rs 350,000, while Sushil Kumar Shahi (2:18:16) and Narendra Singh Raut (2:19:58) secured second and third, creating an all-Army podium. International contenders included China’s Wang Chi in fourth and Kenya’s Julius Wakome in fifth. TAC’s tactical approach on the Lumbini course was a key factor in their victory.
The women’s half-marathon highlighted Purna Laxmi Neupane’s victory over defending champion Santoshi Shrestha. Shrestha had previously relegated Neupane to second place. Neupane finished in 1:17:10, ahead of Shrestha’s 1:18:40, and earned Rs 150,000. Army athletes Nisha Sarki and Sunasari Rokaya placed third and fourth. This result strengthened the club’s overall performance. The event fostered a spirit of community and grassroots talent. Nageswor Ahir of the Nepal Police Club broke the Army’s winning streak by taking the men’s 5km open title. Dipshikha Shahi and Yuvraj Budha led the girls' and boys' junior divisions. In the veteran’s 5km category, Dharma Maharjan took the top spot. The event showed that the pursuit of peace through sport spans all generations.
Organised by the Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) with the support of the Chinese Embassy, the marathon concluded with a ceremony led by NOC President Jeevan Ram Shrestha and Event Coordinator Ashok Bajracharya. Officials highlighted the marathon’s dual purpose. It provided a platform for elite athletics and promoted Lumbini’s message of peace and harmony worldwide.
