In the hills above the bustling streets of Kathmandu, a new kind of challenge awaits — the Kathmandu Vertical, a 5-kilometer vertical trail race with 950 meters of elevation gain, ending at the sacred Jamacho Gumba. This race isn’t just a test of endurance — it’s a heartfelt tribute to Sanjay Pandit, one of Nepal’s most beloved ULTRA trail running legends.
Honoring the Spirit of Sanjay Pandit
At the heart of Kathmandu Vertical lies the memory of Sanjay Pandit — a name that echoes through Nepal’s trails, mountains, and the spirit of every aspiring endurance athlete. Born with modest means but extraordinary drive, Sanjay defied limitations and carved out a path that redefined what was possible for a Nepali athlete.
He was not just a runner — he was a relentless force. In 2008, he ran 127 km from Kathmandu to Tatopani in just 11 hours and 20 minutes. A year later, he shattered expectations again, running 339 km from Swargadwari to Kathmandu in 47 hours and 20 minutes — an ultra-distance feat few in the world have attempted. In 2010, he pushed through 200 km from Jiri to Kathmandu, completing it in roughly 27 hours across two punishing days. In December 2015, Pandit ascended Kilimanjaro’s 5,895-metre peak walking backwards, completing the climb in 25 hours and 40 minutes.
Sanjay was determined to do something that no one has done before. He took Nepal’s flag to the highest peaks across six continents, summiting mountains like Everest, Manaslu, Kilimanjaro, and Elbrus, with a quiet humility that inspired thousands. His efforts were recognized at the national level, receiving official honors for promoting Nepal through sport and courage.
Sanjay was an icon of Nepal. Unfortunately, he passed away while coming down from the Mt Denali (6,190 m), North America’s highest mountain, on June 16, 2017, according to sources.
Sanjay’s story is one of grit, grace, and going further — not just in kilometers, but in purpose. He believed that sweat was sacred, and effort was a gift — values that the Kathmandu Vertical, powered by Trail Running Nepal and Fit Nepal, now carries forward.
As we race upward to Jamacho Gumba, we’re not just climbing a hill.
We’re rising in his footsteps.
| Discipline | Distance / Peak | Time or Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra running | Kathmandu → Tatopani (127 km) | 11 h 20 m (2008) |
| Ultra running | Swargadwari → Kathmandu (339 km) | 47 h 20 m (2009) |
| Ultra running | Jiri → Kathmandu (200 km) | ~27 h over two days (2010) |
| Continuous running | Any ultra race | Run non‑stop for up to 17 h |
| Mountaineering | Everest, Manaslu, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, etc. | Summits in all six continents |
| National recognition | Mountaineering and national representation | Honored by President Bhandari (2016) |
The Race: 5K | 950m Ascent | Finish at Jamacho Gumba
Runners will tackle a relentless 5-kilometer climb that gains nearly 1,000 vertical meters, winding through pine-covered trails to reach Jamacho Gumba, a peaceful Buddhist monastery overlooking the entire Kathmandu Valley. The finish line isn’t just one of Kathmandu’s geographic high points — it’s a symbolic one: where struggle turns to stillness, and effort transforms into elevation.
A Community-Led Tribute: Fit Nepal & Trail Running Nepal Unite
The Kathmandu Vertical is the result of a combined effort by Fit Nepal and Trail Running Nepal — two organizations dedicated to nurturing Nepal’s running culture and promoting fitness across the country. This partnership reflects their shared mission: to create meaningful events that inspire participation, foster community, and honor Nepal’s rich trail running heritage.
The race is free to enter, open to all, with priority given to runners with ITRA or UTMB credentials. Podium prizes of NPR 5000, 2500, and 1000 will be awarded in both male and female categories. But more than competition, this event is about connection — to community, to cause, and to the memory of a true hero.
Earn Rewards with Every Step – Powered by Fit Nepal
Every participant will also earn 500 fitness points through the Fit Nepal APP, a new platform that transforms your daily runs into something more. These points serve as a head start on your fitness journey, encouraging consistency by offering cash-equivalent rewards as you log your training. The app is completely free, and all it asks for is your commitment to staying on the path of fitness. With Fit Nepal, your sweat matters — and your dedication gets rewarded.