A board meeting of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), a global running organization, is set to take place in Nepal.
TS Thakuri, the AIMS ambassador for Nepal, confirmed that the board meeting will be held in Kathmandu on June 4–5. This is the first time that a board meeting of any global federation is being held in Nepal. Previously, only board meetings and congresses of Asian bodies were held in Nepal.
“Hosting the AIMS board meeting in Nepal is a joyous news for the entire country’s tourism,” said Thakuri, the founder of the Nepalgunj Marathon, “It will not only promote Nepal globally, but also provide Nepali race organizers with a golden opportunity to expand their connections with the international community, familiarize themselves with the global running campaign, and learn from it.”
AIMS coordinates with World Athletics worldwide to regulate and promote road races. The AIMS network spans 120 countries, with around 450 road race organizers as its members. AIMS is responsible for measuring and certifying road races globally.
AIMS President Paco Borao expressed gratitude to Nepal for hosting the board meeting. Borao, a resident of Spain, is the race director of the Valencia Marathon, considered one of the best and most excellent courses in the world. Representatives from around a dozen nations are expected to participate in the AIMS board meeting.
The Nepalgunj Marathon expects the participation of representatives from two dozen countries in other special programs it plans to organize during the same occasion. Thakuri mentioned that this is a matter of prestige as it will help shape the global community’s perception of Nepal.
“Therefore, we have urged the government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to cooperate,” he said, “We hope for positive support and collaboration from all. Both individual and institutional support and cooperation are possible in this endeavor.”
Thakuri informed that preparations are underway to facilitate interaction between AIMS and all regular road race organizers in Nepal. A core organizing committee will be formed to ensure the AIMS board meeting and other events are well-organized and fruitful.
Prominent marathon organizers from Nepal will be included in the core organizing committee. The AIMS board includes representatives from a dozen nations, including Europe, America, Japan, and Thailand.
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