Thu 12 Oct 2023 • Nick Kershaw
5 Reasons the Nepal Impact Marathon Is More Than Just a Race
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Our original race has always been a beautiful example of how powerful our running can be, and the impact a race can have on the communities we serve.
When it comes to marathons, the Nepal Impact Marathon stands in a league of its own. It always has, ever since we launched in November 2015. Each year we have pushed boundaries in our impact projects, our idea of what travel can look like, and our concepts in how to make a race day entirely unique. Of course, you probably already know that it's not just about the race; it's about the transformative impact you can make. Here are five compelling reasons why this marathon is an unmissable event for any level of runner.
1. Genuine Community Engagement
This isn't a marathon where you just show up, run, and leave. The Nepal Impact Marathon is deeply tied to community projects that aim to uplift the local populace. Before you set foot on the start line, you’ll have lived in the community for a week. You’ll know the faces of the marshals on your hydration station as they are all village residents. You’ll know some of the trails you’re running on as this was your walk to the projects you’ve supported. From education initiatives to sustainable agriculture, your participation contributes to the betterment of Nepalese communities.
2. Eco-Friendly
If you are going to travel to run in a race at least make two things a priority: 1. That the event is focused on the power of positive impact and regeneration so that you leave a country in a better position than when you arrived 2. That you stay in the country long enough to maximise your trip, see more, learn more, and grow more through the experience. These two elements are guaranteed at an Impact Marathon. And for the first time, in 2023, our entire race day will be powered by solar, an incredibly feat in such a remote village. By joining, you’re not only challenging yourself but also contributing to a better world.
3. Breathtaking Scenery
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas, this marathon offers some of the most scenic vistas you'll ever experience in a race. Each stride you take is not just a step closer to the finish line but also a journey through Nepal's awe-inspiring landscape. From our host village of Batase, those iconic snow-capped peaks of Langtang National Park look down upon us each clear morning. But Nepal has always offered more than just mountains, the rolling foothills, the views across to villages on the other side of our valley, the goat paths that create short cuts through the village, the terraced field that make growing crops feasible…all these elements create a beautifully rounded view of an extraordinarily diverse nation.
4. Tangible Impact
Here, your race fee isn't just an entry ticket; it's an investment in change. Transparent outcomes allow you to see how your participation directly benefits local projects. You’ll leave not just with a medal, but with the rewarding feeling that you’ve made a real difference. You will see, feel, and understand your impact on a level you’ll not have experienced before. It draws you in, inspires you, and changes you…
5. Personal Growth
Beyond the physical challenge, the Nepal Impact Marathon offers an opportunity for personal and mental growth. The experiences you'll gain, the people you'll meet, and the lives you'll touch all contribute to a transformative experience that will stay with you long after you’ve crossed the finish line. You’ll probably register because you like the idea of the run, and the mountains, and Nepal - but you’re next Impact event will be because you met an exceptional group of people, you achieved more than you thought possible, you see the world differently, and you spent your time being yourself, a self stripped of the stresses and strains of your everyday strife…it’s bloody awesome.
Register for November 2023, or join the mailing list to be first in-line for our 2024 spaces!
