The world has been running marathons for 2500 years

Again, there is rarely a game as old as this, which has been organized continuously until now. How did the marathon begin? When its history is told, that story is never less exciting . Around 490 BC, a Greek soldier ran a long distance to deliver the news of victory in a battle. He didn't stop anywhere . And as soon as he reached the destination, he said, 'We have won.'

No one loses in a modern marathon. Everyone just wins. Now, this long-distance race is not limited to just running . This will become the introduction of the city that organizes it now. If there is a specific sport being regularly organized in many places in Nepal, it is marathon.

and the participation of the general public as much as in this is not possible in others . Nowadays, the tradition of half marathon has been started for a long time . The running distance is definitely cut in half in this . But it requires effort, courage and bravery. Nor does it underrepresent the civilization, lifestyle and culture of the city . The Kantipur Half Marathon is being organized today on Saturday and as it reaches its 12th edition, it has touched all the features for which the race itself is famous .

To be exact, Nepali sports is extremely rich in any one category and its history is also rich, if it is marathon and half marathon . Lately, whether it's a marathon or a half marathon, the cities that organize it have started adopting it. This is the biggest," believes TS Thakuri, who is organizing the Nepalgunj Marathon. Karnali half marathon was organized in Birendra Nagar of Surkhet last week due to his activism.

On the occasion of the tenth edition of Nepalgunj Marathon, a half marathon was organized in Birendranagar. 'The kind of response we got from Karnali in the first attempt was very encouraging,' says Thakuri, 'at least 1,200 people participated in the race.' While organizing the Nepalgunj Marathon, he realized that all the people of Nepalgunj are right have started to experience that .

Once upon a time, Nepalgunj was synonymous with Nepali sports. You have to go to the village of Gharbari there, every house had national and international players . He also played until the Olympics. Later this sports culture started to grow, now it has increased again. Reason ? This is the Nepalgunj Marathon. On the day when this race takes place in Nepalgunj, the whole city wakes up, runs and feels a little healthier. That's right, the marathon gives 'positive vibes'.

and also the real form of 'city marathon'. It has been a long time since Kathmandu Marathon started running in Kathmandu. Pokhara Marathon is also held in Pokhara. Now a days the Peace Marathon is also held in Lumbini . Dharan Marathon has its own brand . The Dhangadhi Marathon is also about to pick up speed . All these became officially recognized international races . Along with this race, half marathon and some other races are also held. The road to the full marathon is the half marathon. Of course, the half marathon is more accessible to the general public than the full marathon.

Races like these are truly multifaceted. Nilendraraj Shrestha is a sportsperson who has been associated with Nepali athletics for a long time. He is also the general secretary of Nepal Olympic Committee. He himself is the organizer of Kathmandu Marathon. He says, "Whether it's a marathon or a half marathon, it has an impact in many areas, from economic, cultural, to health." The game will happen by itself. Nepal is also the most prosperous in South Asia in marathon.

The first major international competition in which Nepal has participated is the marathon of athletics. The first international medal won by Nepal is from marathon. The first international gold won by Nepal is from the marathon. And Nepal has achieved the most international success in the marathon. The record time of South Asia is also in the name of Nepalese players. It is believed that the tradition of running in Nepal started a long time ago.

"Running is the best way from the point of view of health," Shrestha says, "Running brings awareness about health." He wants to connect the marathon with meaning. "Marathon has been most closely associated with meaning in recent times." Tourism sector can be developed through marathon. Participants come from home and abroad for the marathon. It takes more than one day visit . Not just one person, the whole family joins in this tour.'

He adds, 'Again, marathon is the only sport in which thousands of thousands can participate.' In big marathons, participants range from 50,000 to 100,000. General Secretary Shrestha considers traffic management to be the biggest challenge when organizing marathons or half marathons in Nepal. He has often said that the city tries to show that it is civilized and cultured during the marathon.

Every citizen of the city should be aware when a long distance race is organized . To make the race successful, you have to come forward. Kantipur Half Marathon also expects the same during the project . And he wants to say that its effect will be in all areas. One of the objectives of Kantipur Marathon is cultural awakening. That's why the slogan this time is, 'Run to Inspire Young'. Ultimately, it is the youth's responsibility to make their city civilized and cultured through racing.

file photo.