The marathon is organized at altitudes ranging from 2,300 meters above sea level to 3,600 meters.
Sanjay Rai of Ilam has won the title of the second open men's marathon organized in Phalelung, Panchthar. A resident of Sandakpur Rural Municipality-1, he completed the 32-kilometer distance competition organized in the high mountains in 2 hours 49 minutes and 18 seconds.
Osan Rai of Miklajung in Panchthar came second in the competition. He covered the prescribed distance in 2 hours 57 minutes 21 seconds. Similarly, Dhanraj Rai of Falelung Rural Municipality-3 of Panchthar came third in 3 hours 31 minutes, while Saugat Kambang of Yangwarak-3 and Yangdev Rai of Miklajung-7 Morang secured fifth place in 3 hours 35 minutes.
The marathon, which starts from 2,300 meters above sea level and reaches an altitude of 3,600 meters, is one of the highest mountain and mountain competitions organized in the district. The organizer said that the race started from Thakepung, the center of Falelung Rural Municipality, reached Memeng, Thapli Danda, Phalot, Tinsimana and ended at Thapli Danda again.
The competition is being organized for the third time on the occasion of Falelung Tourism Festival. The festival, which began on November 12, is ending on Tuesday.
The runner who won the first place in the marathon received a cash prize of Rs 30,000, the second place received Rs 20,000, and the third place received Rs 10,000, along with a trophy, medal, and certificate, said Lenzo Savden, president of the organizer Tinsimana Janasewa Samaj.
