GANTOK,: Nimsang Limboo, a trail runner from West Sikkim, is set to represent India at the Asia-Pacific HOKA Chiang Mai Thailand by UTMB, one of the most prestigious trail running events globally.
The competition, scheduled from December 5 to 8, is a part of the UTMB World Series Majors, recognised as pinnacle events in trail running, held across the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Oceania.
According to Bikram Thapa, Nimsang’s mentor and the coordinator of Project Life, “The UTMB World Series Majors are the epitome of endurance running, attracting elite athletes from around the world. Nimsang’s participation in the Asia-Pacific Major reflects his hard work and dedication to the sport.”
The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), first held in 2003, is the world’s most competitive mountain ultramarathon. Renamed the UTMB World Series Finals in 2023, it crowns the qualification races held globally.
The HOKA Chiang Mai Thailand by UTMB (Asia- Pacific) offers races across multiple distances, ranging from 12 km to 172 km.
Nimsang will compete in the HMONG 50, a demanding 53 km race featuring a 2,750-meter elevation gain and a 15-hour cut-off. The race begins at 5:00 am Thailand time on December 7 at Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.
Nimsang is currently the top-ranked Indian trail runner under the International Trail Running Association (ITRA). As one of only two Indian athletes supported by the Hell Race Sports Foundation, Nimsang boasts the highest ITRA index points in the country.
Hailing from the remote village of Sidibung Darap, Nimsang’s journey has been one of determination and resilience. In addition to his sporting success, he is a 5th-semester BA (Hons) student in Physical Education at Sanchaman Limboo Government College, Gyalshing.
Thapa stated, “Nimsang's journey in trail running has been inspiring, and his participation in this international event is a testament to his dedication and resilience. We wish him best wishes and we are very much confident that he will make the hill region and the entire country proud.”
