Over 2,000 people take part in Higher Ground Nepal's Fun Run 2026

LALITPUR: More than 2,000 people took part in the Fun Run 2026, organised by Higher Ground Nepal, at Jawalakhel Football Ground on Saturday.

Held in observance of International Women’s Month, the five-kilometre run and walk brought together people of diverse ages and backgrounds to promote women’s empowerment, inclusion and social equity and to raise awareness about gender inequality and the social and structural barriers that persist.

Participants followed a route through Bhanimandal, Thadodhunga and Sanepa before returning to the Jawalakhel Football Ground near the Central Zoo. Higher Ground Nepal said the accessible, relatively flat course enabled families, youth, senior citizens and persons with disabilities to take part. “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.

A highlight of the day was a wheelchair run led by the Jawalakhel Wheelchair Sports Club in collaboration with Nirmala Foundation. Visually impaired participants from Blind Rocks also joined the run and performed at the post-race programme, underscoring the event’s emphasis on inclusivity.

The programme opened with a warm-up session by Titan Zumba Fitness, followed by the main run. After the race, Blind Rocks delivered a musical performance while the venue hosted stalls run by women entrepreneurs and community partners, along with recreational spaces for children.

Proceeds from the event will support the Nepal Cancer Support Group, educational scholarships for children in Dukuchap, financial literacy and entrepreneurship programmes, and grassroots women’s organisations 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, counselling and socio-economic support.

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