The Right to Protein Run 2026 in Pokhara expects 4,106 participants from 10 countries, according to the Nepal Feed Industries Association (NFIA). Scheduled for Saturday, the event starts at Basundhara Park in Lakeside and combines competitive running with protein-awareness education.
By Ajay Shrestha | Futsal House
Race Categories and Prizes
Organizers have announced eight categories:
| Division | Men's distance | Women's distance | |---|---|---| | Half marathon | 21 km, as announced | 21 km, as announced | | Open race | 10 km | 5 km | | Students through Grade 12 | 5 km | 3 km | | Wheelchair race | 3 km | 3 km |
The top five finishers in each category will receive cash prizes from a combined NPR 1.6 million pool, including tax.
Participants are expected from Nepal, India, China, the United States, Denmark, Kenya, France, South Korea, Germany and England.
Kit Collection and Race-Day Support
Collect your T-shirt and race kit at Pokhara Event Center on Bhadra 31 or Ashwin 1, 2083, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to the organizer's schedule.
The announced route passes through Hallan Chowk, Khahare, Sedi, Khapaudi and Pame to Lauruk before returning to Basundhara Park. Confirm your category's turnaround point rather than assuming every distance follows the full route.
NFIA says arrangements include participant insurance, 200 volunteers, 10 hydration stations and seven ambulances. The supplied announcement does not specify start times or category-specific route maps; confirm both before race day.
Protein Awareness Beyond the Finish Line
The campaign highlights accessible protein sources including eggs, fish, meat, milk, soy, tofu, paneer, lentils and beans.
My take: the everyday-food message deserves more attention than the crowd count. A race-day slogan is not a nutrition plan; keep the focus on foods you can actually put on your plate.
For participants, the immediate priority is simpler: collect your kit, check your start time and know your route.
FAQ
Where does the Right to Protein Run 2026 start?
The announced starting point is Basundhara Park in Pokhara's Lakeside area.
Can school students participate?
Yes. Announced categories cover students through Grade 12: 5 km for boys and 3 km for girls.
Is registration still open?
The supplied announcement confirms participation numbers but does not state whether registration remains open. Check with NFIA before making travel plans.