Course & Elevation
The Kathmandu Marathon is a road race through the Kathmandu Valley, held on a Saturday in early October. The organisers describe it as Nepal's largest and most recognised road-running event. It was founded in 2007 by Nilendra Raj Shrestha, and the 2026 race on 10 October was the 18th edition. The race is held every year on the first Saturday before Ghatasthapana. The marathon starts at 05:30 at Dasrath Rangashala in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu. According to the organisers, the route passes through the three historic cities of Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur. Landmarks named on the course include Sahid Gate, Ghantaghar, Dharahara, Thimi, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, and on a clear morning runners see the Himalayan mountains. The 2026 programme had thirteen race categories, including a half marathon, 10K, 5K and 3K races, and the organisers expected more than 10,000 participants. Runners in the marathon must be 18 or older.
Course Facts
Weather
Typical climate for the race month — an estimate, not a forecast or a race-day record
21°C
Temperature
79%
Humidity
12%
Rain Chance
In October, Kathmandu averages a high of about 27°C and a low of about 14°C, with rain of 1 mm or more on around 4 days of the month. The marathon starts at 05:30, so race-morning temperatures are well below the daytime average.
Get Your Training Plan
Free, personalized for this race
Get alerts for Kathmandu Marathon
Registration openings, date changes, sell-out warnings.