It was a cold morning at the London Marathon 2025. The historic streets and alleys of London were filled with thousands of running enthusiasts. Some had dreams of setting personal records, while others aimed to finish the marathon for the first time. Among those thousands of faces was a Nepali runner, Sworupa Khadka, striding ahead with confidence, determination, and discipline.
The London Marathon is one of the most prestigious races in the world, attracting tens of thousands of participants every year. This time, nearly 60 thousands runners took part. But Sworupa’s goal was not just to improve her personal best—she was there to inspire hundreds of others. She ran ahead, yet remained beside others, leading a group with a shared goal to finish the race within 3 hours and 30 minutes.
In Nepal’s running history, Sworupa Khadka is a well-known name. Around 12 years ago, she gained recognition as a fast-paced Nepali female runner. In the 2013 Chicago Marathon, she completed the race in 2 hours 57 minutes and 10 seconds, becoming the first Nepali woman to complete a marathon in under three hours. That achievement wasn’t just a record—it was a message of the strength and potential of Nepali women: we can, and we will move forward.
She is a determined runner who never gives up. She is also the first Nepali woman to receive the historic medal by completing all six World Major Marathons. To date, she has finished more than 50 marathons.
Sworupa had come to London to run the marathon. I had been trying to meet her, and finally, a few days after the race, I got the chance to speak with her. After our conversation, I truly understood how deep her emotional connection to running is.
Sworupa currently lives in the United States, though her ancestral home is in Kathmandu, Nepal. She excelled in academics and was active in sports. But after moving to the U.S., amidst the struggles of immigrant life and career-building, many of her interests faded into the background.
She began running in the bustling city of New York—at first just to stay physically active. But soon, running became a new chapter of her life. “When I first started running, I never imagined it would become such a central part of my identity,” Sworupa said.
The 2013 Chicago Marathon was a historic moment in her life. Reflecting on it during our talk, she said, “I didn’t even know I had set a national record—only after friends from Nepal told me, did I realize what I had achieved.”
Another unforgettable moment was the 2013 Boston Marathon. She had successfully crossed the finish line, but within moments, that day turned into a nightmare—bomb explosions rocked the area where her family had been cheering for her. “Even now, my body shivers remembering that day,” she said. “It made me realize how precious and fragile life is.”
Not every moment in the journey of a runner is beautiful or easy. The 2017 London Marathon was the most painful experience for Sworupa. That race was supposed to be special—she wanted to finish it and complete the six World Majors. But unfortunately, her dream was shattered due to injury. She couldn’t finish the race.
“I had already run 22 miles when I suddenly felt intense pain in my right leg,” she recalled. “I realized I couldn’t put any weight on my foot. I sat down on the ground, tears streaming—not just from the pain, but because I knew my dream was slipping away.”
Yet, she didn’t give up. After undergoing hip surgery in London, she stayed away from running for a year. But in the 2019 Berlin Marathon, she made a comeback, completing it in 3 hours, 6 minutes, and 20 seconds—reclaiming her stride.
In 2023, she returned to the London Marathon to finish what she once couldn’t. She completed it in 2 hours, 59 minutes, and 43 seconds, becoming the first Nepali woman to complete all six World Major Marathons. “After such a long recovery, that moment felt like a rebirth,” she said.
Sworupa has also completed the Everest Marathon held at the base of Mount Everest. For her, the 2023 Everest Marathon was a unique experience. “Running at 17,500 feet is not easy,” she shared. “The air, cold, altitude, and challenge all reminded me of my inner strength. I fell twice, injured my hand, but I proudly crossed the finish line. Running on my country’s soil is a different feeling altogether.”
She has gained vast knowledge and experience through her running journey. She has deeply studied biomechanics, physiology, and nutrition. “I’ve always loved math and science. At one point, I dreamt of becoming a doctor. Today, I work in finance—but running brought me back to science,” she said. “I’m now researching how women’s physical performance changes with age.”
She is thrilled to see so many Nepalis participating in the London Marathon. “Before, I used to be the only Nepali at these international marathons. But now, seeing hundreds of Nepali runners fills me with joy.”
Recalling the most emotional moment of this year’s London Marathon, she became teary-eyed. “With just around 600 meters left, I looked around and saw faces full of exhaustion, but also courage. In that moment, I knew they were counting on me,” she said. “After crossing the finish line, some runners hugged me with tears in their eyes, saying, ‘Without you, we couldn’t have done it.’ That felt like the biggest reward.”
Perhaps that moment meant more than any medal. It was a celebration of collective dreams. “Running is not just about competition, medals, or physical training—it’s about unity, collaboration, and a sense of humanity,” she said.
Sworupa’s journey is not just a story of running—it’s a story of inner strength, resilience, and the courage to chase dreams. Even after countless miles in trail and ultra-marathons, she never stopped. Carrying the Nepali flag on international platforms, she keeps running.
Today, she is more than a marathon runner—she is an inspiration to thousands of Nepali women, proving one profound truth to us all: dreams are achieved by those who refuse to give up.
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