2026 Pokhara International Marathon
The 2026 Pokhara International Marathon will take place on 14 February 2026 in Pokhara, Nepal, a city renowned for its natural beauty and vibrant cultural heritage. The event will start at the Pokhara Stadium Multipurpose Covered Hall and finish at Barahi Ghat, Lakeside Pokhara, along the shores of Fewa Lake. On this date, the weather in Pokhara is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging between 7°C and 15°C and generally clear skies. The course, certified by World Athletics and AIMS, offers runners a scenic route through urban and lakeside areas, with views of the Annapurna range and surrounding rivers. Participants will experience a well-structured road race that combines competitive racing with the stunning Himalayan backdrop.
What is the 2026 Pokhara International Marathon?
The 2026 Pokhara International Marathon is a World Athletics and AIMS-certified road race that has been held continuously since 2002. It is a point-to-point event that traverses urban and lakeside terrain, offering runners a scenic route through Pokhara, known as the "City of Joy." The race features multiple distances, including marathon, half marathon, 10 km, and 5 km, with additional categories for wheelchair and blind runners.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Marathon (42.195 km)
- →Half Marathon (21.1 km)
- →10 km
- →5 km (multiple age/gender/corporate categories)
- →Wheelchair Race (5 km)
- →Blind Race (5 km, with guides)
What is the race schedule?
- →Runner Reporting: 6:00 AM at Pokhara Stadium
- →Race Start: 7:00 AM sharp (all distances)
- →Finish: Barahi Ghat, Lakeside Pokhara
What are the registration deadlines?
- →Late Registration Deadline: 31 January 2026
What is included in the registration?
All finishers receive a commemorative medal and a digital certificate. Additional items, such as race kits, are typically collected 1–2 days before the event at designated locations in Pokhara.
What is the prize structure for the marathon?
- →1st place: NPR 400,000 (~USD 2,800)
- →Top 8 finishers receive cash prizes
- →Separate prize pools for Nepali nationals, Gandaki Province residents, and age categories (45+)
What is the prize structure for the half marathon?
- →Equal prize purses for men and women
- →1st place: NPR 75,000 (~USD 525)
What is the prize structure for the 10 km and 5 km?
- →Tiered cash awards across open, age-group, corporate, and adaptive categories
What is the Elite Runner Program?
- →Premier Elite (Marathon): Sub-2:18:00 qualification; includes 3 nights' complimentary accommodation and elite start block positioning
- →Elite Categories: Sub-2:25:00 (marathon), sub-1:15:00 (men's half), sub-1:25:00 (women's half)
- →All elites start in a dedicated front block with personalized bibs
- →Verification of recent certified race results is required within 7 days of registration
What is the philosophy and impact of the event?
Organized by the Ex-Sportsman Forum Nepal, the event promotes "Sports for Peace and Health" and highlights Pokhara as a global running destination. Proceeds support local athletic development and align with UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on community engagement and tourism growth.
What is the certification of the event?
The event is fully certified by World Athletics and AIMS, ensuring that official times qualify for entry into major races such as the Boston Marathon.
What are the weather conditions on race day?
On 14 February 2026, Pokhara is expected to have mild weather, with temperatures ranging between 7°C and 15°C. The sky is likely to be clear, offering runners optimal conditions to enjoy the scenic route and the natural beauty of the region.