From Himalayan Farms to Global Glory: Man Kumar and Ram Maya Budha Win Major Trail Races in Vietnam

Kathmandu, September 21, 2026

Nepali trail runners Man Kumar Roka Magar and Ram Maya Budha have made the country proud with victories at the 2026 Vietnam Mountain Marathon in Sa Pa, Vietnam.

Man Kumar won the men’s 100K race in 11 hours, 42 minutes and 37 seconds, setting a new course record. Ram Maya added another golden moment for Nepal by winning the women’s 50K race in 6 hours, 24 minutes and 37 seconds.

A Mountain Farmer Becomes a Champion

For 23-year-old Man Kumar, the victory represented far more than reaching the finish line first. The young mountain farmer from Nepal entered the race carrying the dreams of his family, fellow athletes and country.

Behind his record-breaking performance were years of physical pain, exhaustion, hunger, sleepless nights, and personal sacrifice. He said there were many moments when his body and mind told him to stop, but the hope of building a better future kept him moving.

“Believe in myself; one day I will be successful and my family will be happy,” Man Kumar said while reflecting on the belief that supported his journey.

A Victory Dedicated to Nepal

Man Kumar dedicated the historic achievement to Nepal and to everyone who believed in him through the most difficult stages of his journey.

He said he ran while carrying the Nepali flag, the dreams of the country’s athletes and the hope that Nepal’s sporting talent would receive greater recognition and support internationally.

“The pain was mine, and the fight was mine, but this victory belongs to Nepal,” he said in his message following the race.

He also thanked his family, friends and supporters, along with Kailas Fuga, APA Athlete, and his coach Mile Ultra 27, for supporting him when the road became difficult.

Ram Maya Budha Wins Women’s 50K

Nepal’s success in Vietnam did not end with the 100K race. Ram Maya Budha delivered another impressive performance by winning the women’s 50K title in 6:24:37.

It was reportedly her first appearance at the Vietnam Mountain Marathon, making her commanding victory even more memorable. Her win was officially celebrated by Kailas Fuga Vietnam following the race.

Ram Maya is an established Nepali trail runner and a member of the Kailas Fuga Team. Her athlete profile records experience across several international trail events and identifies her as one of Nepal’s leading women in the 50K category.

Two Champions, One Proud Flag

The victories of Man Kumar and Ram Maya offered Nepal a powerful double celebration at one of Vietnam’s leading mountain-running events.

While Man Kumar conquered the demanding 100K course and established a new record, Ram Maya led the women’s 50K field. Their success highlighted the strength, endurance and growing international presence of Nepali trail runners.

The Vietnam Mountain Marathon features races through mountainous terrain, remote villages and steep trails around Sa Pa. Its official 100K route passes through remote Hmong communities and challenging mountain landscapes.

A Call for Greater Support

Their achievements have also renewed attention on the challenges facing Nepali athletes. Many runners with international potential begin their journeys in remote communities with limited training facilities, funding and professional support.

Man Kumar hopes his victory will encourage greater recognition for athletes carrying Nepal’s flag around the world. For him, the record is not the end of the journey but another chapter in a much larger dream.

He has promised to continue fighting, inspiring others, and carrying Nepal’s flag higher on the international stage.