NEPA-QUEST Brings a New Era of Running to Kathmandu’s Heritage Heart
NEPA-QUEST is set to bring a new dimension to marathon running in Kathmandu, blending sport, adventure and Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. Scheduled for 28 October 2026, the marathon will be held at Basantapur Durbar Square, placing the event at the heart of one of Kathmandu’s most iconic historic and cultural destinations.
The announcement marks the beginning of a new sporting chapter for Nepal, bringing together runners, athletes, fitness enthusiasts and communities for a marathon experience where sport and heritage meet in one of the country's most recognizable settings.
A Marathon Set Against Nepal's HeritageLocated in the historic heart of Kathmandu, Basantapur Durbar Square provides a distinctive setting for NEPA-QUEST. Surrounded by centuries-old architecture, traditional Newari buildings, historic temples and the vibrant atmosphere of Kathmandu, the venue gives the marathon a strong connection to Nepal's cultural identity.
Rather than being simply a backdrop for the race, Basantapur Durbar Square will form an important part of the NEPA-QUEST experience. The historic surroundings will create a striking contrast with the energy of modern marathon running, bringing together Nepal's heritage and a new generation of athletes.
For participants, the experience begins long before reaching the finish line. Standing at the starting point surrounded by Kathmandu's historic architecture, runners will be able to experience the atmosphere of Basantapur before embarking on their own personal quest.
More Than Just a MarathonNEPA-QUEST is built around the idea that every runner has a different reason for taking on the challenge. Some may arrive with the ambition of competing for the top positions, while others may be chasing a personal record, completing a major running milestone or simply challenging themselves to go further than before.
The marathon aims to bring these different journeys together at a single starting line.Throughout the event, the spirit of determination, community and adventure will remain at the centre of the experience. Runners will share the course with friends, fellow athletes and new members of the running community, creating moments of encouragement and celebration along the way.
The choice of Basantapur Durbar Square further reinforces the identity of NEPA-QUEST as a marathon that is deeply connected to its surroundings. The historic setting gives participants an opportunity to experience Kathmandu not simply as spectators or visitors, but through the movement, energy and excitement of a major sporting event.
ZUPEEN SPORTS — Main Sponsor of NEPA-QUESTAdding to the energy of the event, ZUPEEN SPORTS will serve as the main sponsor of the NEPA-QUEST Marathon.
With its distinctive yellow-and-purple sporting identity, ZUPEEN SPORTS will bring a vibrant and youthful presence to the event. The partnership reflects a shared vision of encouraging active lifestyles, supporting sporting participation and creating memorable experiences for a new generation of athletes.
The collaboration between NEPA-QUEST and ZUPEEN SPORTS is expected to play an important role in shaping the visual and sporting atmosphere of the marathon, from the event environment at Basantapur Durbar Square to the wider race-day experience.
28 October 2026 — The Quest BeginsWith 28 October 2026 officially confirmed, runners now have a date to work towards. The announcement marks the start of the countdown to a marathon designed to challenge participants while celebrating the unique character of Kathmandu.
On race day, Basantapur Durbar Square will become the meeting point for runners from different backgrounds and different levels of experience, united by the same ambition — to take on the challenge and make it to the finish.
Against the backdrop of historic temples and traditional Kathmandu architecture, the sound of runners gathering, the excitement of the starting line and the energy of the crowd will transform the heritage square into the centre of a new sporting experience.
For every participant, the meaning of the race will be different. For some, it will be about speed. For others, endurance. For many, simply reaching the finish line will be an achievement worth remembering.
But every journey begins with the same first step.
On 28 October 2026, that first step will begin at Basantapur Durbar Square.NEPA-QUEST Marathon
28 October 2026 | Basantapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu, Nepal
Main Sponsor: ZUPEEN SPORTSA new quest begins in the heart of Kathmandu.