Lalitpur, March 21 — The Fun Run 2026, organized by Higher Ground Nepal, concluded successfully on Saturday at Jawalakhel Football Ground, attracting more than 2,000 participants.

Held in observance of International Women’s Month, the 5-kilometer Fun Run/Walk brought together people of diverse ages and backgrounds, promoting a shared message of women’s empowerment, inclusion, and social equity. The event aimed to raise awareness about gender inequality and encourage collective efforts to address social and structural barriers.

Manjali Shakya Bajracharya, Deputy Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, graciously honored the event with her presence.

Participants followed a 5-kilometer route through key areas of Lalitpur, including Bhanimandal, Thadodhunga, and Sanepa, before returning to the Jawalakhel Football Ground near the Central Zoo. The accessible and relatively flat route enabled participation from families, youth, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

A major highlight of the event was the wheelchair run led by the Jawalakhel Wheelchair Sports Club in collaboration with Nirmala Foundation. Visually impaired participants from Blind Rocks also took part, reinforcing the event’s commitment to inclusivity.

The program began with a warm-up session conducted by Titan Zumba Fitness, followed by the main run. Post-race activities included a musical performance by Blind Rocks. The event venue featured stalls run by women entrepreneurs and community partners, as well as recreational spaces for children.

Organizers expressed satisfaction with the turnout and engagement. “The success of Fun Run 2026 reflects growing community awareness and a collective commitment to gender equality and inclusion,” representatives from Higher Ground Nepal stated.

Proceeds from the event will support initiatives such as the Nepal Cancer Support Group, educational scholarships for children in Dukuchap, financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs, and grassroots women’s organizations in Lalitpur.

Awards were presented across multiple categories, including men’s, women’s, under-18, above-18, and wheelchair divisions.

Since its inception in 2015, the Higher Ground Fun Run has engaged more than 10,000 participants and supported a range of community development initiatives. Established in 2006, Higher Ground Nepal continues to work toward empowering women, children, and youth through education, counseling, and socio-economic support.

The event was supported by the Man Bahadur Shrestha Memorial Foundation, Kaiyi Nepal, Feather Webs Pvt. Ltd., The Workshop Eatery, Change Action Nepal, Ethico Retreat, and Nepal on the Web as the media partner.