If you’re more into chasing experiences than shiny medals these days, you’re in luck: Adventure running is exploding in popularity. From the carefully curated trips of companies like Rogue Expeditions to racing through Europe’s SuperHalfs series to seeking epic trails on your already-planned getaway, more runners are blurring the lines between a great run and a great vacation.
After all, the only thing better than challenging yourself with new terrain is to also experience the beauty of the planet on foot. There’s something uniquely fulfilling about logging miles in breathtaking landscapes, where each step feels like a reward in itself. For trail and adventure runners, the journey has become the prize.
And while the major running destinations get a lot of the hype — races across the Alps, the golden trails of New England half marathons — more people are looking to culturally-rich adventure hotspots, like Nepal, and seeing what other physical challenges they can undergo there.
Why Nepal is a Peak Adventure Playground
When it comes to destinations that inspire awe of the landscape, culture, and community, Nepal stands in a league of its own.
Known worldwide as the gateway to Mt. Everest, Nepal attracts over 1.2 million visitors annually — and for good reason. From the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the vibrancy of Kathmandu’s streets, this small, mountainous country is an adventurer’s dream. The call of the trails here is magnetic. Everywhere you turn, you’re fully immersed in the land of legendary Sherpas, monasteries, and trails carved into history.
Of course, you could visit Nepal as a trekker, soaking in its beauty at a leisurely pace. But for those of us who live to run, the thought of tackling a race in the foothills of the Himalayas — where every climb is a victory and every descent a reward — feels like the ultimate bucket list destination.
Lucky for you: Next March, that dream can become a reality.
Introducing: the Inaugural Sherpa Half Marathon
Pack your trail running gear: On March 8, 2025, Coddiwomple Travel, in partnership with Trailmandu, is hosting the inaugural Sherpa Half Marathon, the first race in a series that promises to be as rewarding as it is challenging. Kicking off at 7:00 am from The Terraces Resort & Spa in Kathmandu, this course will take runners through Nepal’s rolling hills and scenic landscapes, with jaw-dropping views of the Himalayan peaks and the lush Kathmandu Valley.
The race is a true test of grit and awe. As a runner, you’ll navigate a course that includes climbs and descents of over 1,500 feet. This is not the kind of half marathon where you’ll be watching your splits — this is a run where the moments matter more than the minutes. The ultimate trail runner’s dream, the only sounds on this race is your footsteps and the occasional bell from grazing yaks.
Coddiwomple Travel has geared up an epic experience far beyond race day, too: Their travel packages include accommodations, most meals, sightseeing tours, airport meet-and-greet services, and ground transportation. Experienced, English-speaking local guides will lead the way, ensuring participants get the full cultural immersion that Nepal has to offer.
The best part? Your spot for the trip comes with guaranteed race entry, plus a commemorative medal, event t-shirt, and access to race amenities. Awards will be given to top finishers in both local and international categories—though if you ask me, every runner who toes the line on this course deserves a prize.
What Makes This Race Different
Scott Guillemette, Coddiwomple Travel’s founder, summed it up best: “Our goal with the Sherpa Half Marathon is to provide runners with not just a race, but a truly unique and rewarding experience.” And he’s right: There are races, and then there are adventures that stay with you long after your running shoes are untied.
The Sherpa Half Marathon isn’t just about conquering the course — it’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, into a place where the world feels bigger and more beautiful. It’s about running in one of the most storied places on Earth, where the air is thin, but the rewards are endless.
For anyone looking to blend running and exploration, know that spots are limited. So if you’re dreaming of running through the Himalayas, now’s the time to make it a reality.
To learn more or secure your spot, visit www.sherpahalfmarathon.com or email Scott at [email protected].
Running in Nepal isn’t just another race. It’s a story you’ll tell for years to come.
