What if you could change the world, with just one run?
Introducing the Impact Marathon Series! The Nepal Impact Marathon is not just a race; it’s a journey through the heart of one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in the world. It’s a journey that will connect you with the some of the most immense people you’ve ever met whilst living in a community you would never normally get to visit, driving change, inspiring progress…and somewhere along the way, you’ll realize you ran a marathon.
Of course, it’s not just marathon distance runs that are on offer in Nepal – 10km and Half Marathon routes are also available so no matter where you are on your running journey, there is an event for you. These races are not set up to be the fastest, or best, or toughest, or any of the other buzz words you hear about running events, no, they’re set up to be deeply impactful, life-changing, and empowering. After 9 years, $1.5 million funds raised for awesome causes, and thousands of energized Impact Runners – something special has been started, and now it’s your time to be part of the movement.
Powerful Impact
For this annual Nepal experience, all learnings have been brought together to drive a truly powerful narrative and impact throughout the week. From your time in Kathmandu, to your work in Batase, you will see firsthand how we can prevent trafficking, support Gender Equality and create real opportunities for the children of Nepal.
All Impact Runners are encouraged to smash through at least £1000 of fundraising – this is what brings the Impact Week alive and leaves a lasting legacy in the communities we seek to serve. The Impact Marathon Foundation has the goal of catalyzing change and supporting tangible, grassroots organizations with these funds, affirmation and a platform to tell their story. In Nepal the approach to supporting the right charities to tackle the biggest problems has been honed year over year.
The Experience:
Your journey begins in the magical city of Kathmandu, where ancient traditions meet bustling streets. Of all Impact locations, this is the city that truly feels other-worldly, and it’s easy to get lost, fall in love, and be transported away from all you thought you knew.
The first and last nights are hosted here in the city, with a traditional, Nepali-owned hotel to stay in – a little piece of tranquillity and comfort before heading up to the host village of Batase. Within the village we sculpt our own pop-up Athletes’ Village that will be your home for the majority of the trip. It’s hard to describe this place, and honestly, we don’t want to spoil the surprise. You’ll be blown away.
The Itinerary | 18 – 24 Nov 2024
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal and a stunning welcome dinner to meet the team.
Day 2
After meeting one of the incredible Impact Projects in the morning, you’ll head by by bus up to the town of Melamchi, deep in the valley that leads to Langtang National Park. From here, we’ll hike up to the host village. This trek is a superb introduction to the area, from understanding the challenges of the topography, to the Himalayas slowly revealing themselves as we trek upwards, to a nice bit of acclimatization ahead of the run!
Day 3/4
Community Engagement & Impact Project Work. In amongst the training runs, locally cooked food, Sunset Bar drinks, and bonfire chats is a truly powerful Impact Project. Last year, 10 water filtrations systems were installed across 10 schools that grew our impact throughout the communities on the mountain. We will be undertaking a similarly ambitious project in 2024, and all will be revealed soon.
Day 5
Today we rest. This is a time to relax, stretch out with some yoga in the shadow of the Himalayas, learn how to make Momos, tour the village, or simply lie out and read your book. Through the day, runners from across the valleys, and from Kathmandu will be making their way up to the village ahead of the race briefing and Pasta Party in the evening.
Day 6 – Race day!
This is the moment you came for, yet you’ll feel this is more of a Victory Lap than a race. This is a spectacular race route, winding through the very same communities your fundraising and volunteering has supported. You’ll look up at the snow peaks, then down at the magical trails, then around at your fellow runners – before you know it, you’ll be sprinting down towards a hand-stitched Finish Line for an emotional finale. Tonight, we’ll be back in Kathmandu for a special celebratory dinner.
Day 7
Wake-up in an actual bed! Enjoy a beautiful breakfast, then either head on to one of our Bolt-on trips, explore Kathmandu to get your souvenirs, or, sadly, head on back to the airport.
Course Descriptions:
42km -The Beast of Batase
The Greeks invented the marathon, but Nepal is taking it to the next level. This distance is a brutal battle of man vs nature and will surely be the hardest but most rewarding race of your life. With 2000m of climbing on the trails around Batase, this course is the ultimate test of a runners ability.
You will be pushed to your limit, you will feel like you can’t go on. But when you dig deep, when you keep moving you will earn the right proudly say you conquered The Beast Of Batase.
21km – Mountain Ridge
A unique opportunity to run a simply incredible loop of around Batase village. Make no mistake about it, with over 1000m of climbing this is a course that is for strong runners who can take on these challenging trails. You will take on the Savage Summit as well as some technical descents and a thrilling mountain ridge – it is a true test of your running ability.
10km – Starter for Ten
A 10km race that feels so much further! This is a serious test for any runner. With almost 600m of climbing, finishing this race will feel absolutely amazing. Indeed, it has the hardest hill of all the distances. If this is your first running race it truly will be the best.
Running with and through the Batase community, this is the most popular route. For the fastest runners in Nepal this will be a competitive and thrilling race.
And if you are not a runner, you’re invited to hike this course.
Pricing & Inclusions:
There are 3 levels of packages starting from £995. All packages include:
– Accommodation in our eco-friendly Athletes’ Village.
– All meals throughout your stay.
– Entry to your chosen race distance.
– Local transport to/from race activities.
– All Impact Project work.
– Full support from the Impact Marathon team.
– Race entry
– Race shirt & stash
– Shivapuri park entry & Guides
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