Nepali Community Honored After Historic Marathon Run

Sydney, Australia — August 31, 2025

The Sydney Marathon 2025 made history not only as Australia’s largest running event but also as a landmark moment for the global Nepali community. More than 50 runners of Nepali origin from across the world—including Nepal, Australia, the UK, the United States, and Japan—joined the prestigious race, marking what is believed to be the largest Nepali turnout in an international marathon to date.

Among the standout performances, Nepal’s Vikas Shrestha completed the grueling 42.2 km course in an impressive 2 hours and 55 minutes. Santosh Rai, representing the UK, followed closely with a time of 2 hours 57 minutes and 56 seconds. Ramkrishna Maharjan was one of three runners representing Nepal directly in the event.

Following the race, the Northwest Nepali Community of Sydney hosted a heartfelt welcome and felicitation ceremony. Runners were honored with traditional khadas adorned with the Nepali flag, symbolizing pride and unity. Bikendra Adhikari, President of the community, praised the athletes’ dedication, calling their participation “a source of pride for the entire Nepali diaspora.”

On the elite stage, Ethiopia’s Hailemariam Kiros claimed victory in the men’s category with a time of 2:06:06, while Dutch sensation Sifan Hassan shattered records in the women’s division, finishing in 2:18:22.

This year’s marathon also marked a milestone for Sydney itself, as the event was officially inducted into the prestigious World Marathon Majors series—joining the ranks of global giants like Boston, London, and Tokyo. The recognition elevates Sydney’s status on the international sporting map and promises even greater global participation in years to come.