Samjhana Sharma, an 18-year-old engineering student, is competing in the ninth Kantipur Half Marathon on May 25 but faces a daunting task of competing the 21.1km race.

For an amateur runner who will be up against the top-notch professional athletes, setting an eye on title would understandably be unrealistic. “My objective is to complete the full course and not quit midway through the race,” said Sharma keeping her target very simple. “For occasional runners like us to be able to complete the race itself is a massive challenge,” said Sharma, the first year Bachelor student of Thapathali Engineering College.

The anti-pollution drive that the event in promoting also played a part in Sharma and her two friends to participate in the race. Sharma believes that the event will be helpful in raising awareness against pollution to some extent. “People living in Kathmandu are actually feeling its effect. But when it comes to tacking the problem, we are all sitting idle. Everyone should realise the gravity of the problem and help reduce it anyway possible,” said Sharma.

The half marathon will begin from Kantipur Publications office in Thapathali en route to Maitighar, Baneshwor, Koteshwor, Lokanthali, Thimi and back to the starting point. APF Club’s Kanchi Maya Koju is the most successful runner having claimed the title five times in women’s half marathon. Army athlete Hari Kumar Rimal has won the title four times in men’s category. The event also include 5km run for corporate/media and 5km wheelchair race.