Nepal's Original Ultra Race

April 12th 2025



The Annapurna 100 is changing.

As the world of ultra running has got more popular, it has become more extreme.

Longer Distance

The Annapurna is changing to a longer race that is nearer to the original idea. It started as a run from Pokhara to Poon Hill and back before morphing into an incredible trail run. Wishing to accommodate a surge in interest in longer distance events and to reduce the carbon footprint of the race itself, we have decided to make the Annapurna 100 a hundred mile race from Pokhara to Poon Hill and back. This time we will run on the other side of the lake past the Peace Pagoda and on to Bhadaure, Kande, Birethanti, Ghorepani and Poon Hill and back again.

Organisation

The event has had several variations in format over the last 30 years and some amazing Race Directors, Richard Bull created a world class event with Ramesh Bhattachan for many successful years.

We are welcoming a new Race Director who will be Jack Turner, the son of the original inventor of the event. Ramesh Bhattachan and Jan Turner will be his technical advisors to help him create his vision of a new one hundred mile event.

Aims

This event is being organised for the benefit of Nepali runners, tourism and the region where it is held.

Pledge

All money and funds associated with this event will enter the Nepali economy.

We intend to make a positive contribution to the people in the region and Nepali runners and tourism in general. We wish to promote sustainable responsible tourism for the benifit of Nepal.

Request

Please help promote this event through your contacts, blogs and posts on the internet to help cut down our advertising budget.

We have a links page to promote any business that promotes us with a link on their website.

Origins

This event was first pioneered in 1995 with world renowned cricketeer Ian (Beefy) Botham, now Lord Botham.

Concept

The idea was the brainchild of Jan Turner. But was only made possible by the orginisational prowess of Ramesh Bhattachan

It was concieved purely with the intention of developing trail running in Nepal and to support Nepali runners and tourism. At the time there were no other trail running races in Nepal, with the possible exception of the Everest Marathon, another creation of Jan Turner.

Gratitude

The difficulty of organising and promoting this event cannot be overstated. This event would have disappeared many years ago if it wasnt for the persistence of Ramesh Bhattachan and Richard Bull who turned it into a world recognised event.

Covid took its toll on the event, but it is now back, ready for the next 30 years.

Course

Click on maps for larger size.

This map gives you an idea of the course. A more accurate map in being made.



Measuring a course in the Himalayas is notoriously difficult but this is as close to 100 miles as we can make it.

Personnel

This event has developed and blossomed due to the hard work of many people.

This section will expand as we persuade more people to come aboard.

Events such as these rely on many volunteers and staff who all in their own way make it a success.

Some of the most important players sometimes do not get the credit they deserve.

Participants

Of course, without participants we would not have an event. We will be putting up results at the end of the events in recognition of their achievements.

Jack Turner

Race Director

Background

Since a young age, Jack has joined in with the setting up and organisation of the Annapurna 100 and the Everest Ultra.

During these trips he found himself falling in love with the way of life and the beautiful landscapes that Nepal has to offer. His passion for Nepal saw him following his dream, to leave behind his roots and set up his life in the city of Pokhara. It is from here that he now leads tourists and adventure seekers into the mountains.

By mastering the Nepali language Jack has learnt a deeper understanding of the cultures of Nepal.

Jack’s many experiences from his youth to adulthood has enabled him to propel his career as an experienced guide and adviser to anyone that wishes to follow the same path as him. This has made Jack ideally suited to becoming the next Race Director.

Role

Jack is responsible for the overall organisation and logistics of the event.

Ramesh Bhattachan

Executive Director of Logistics

Background

Ramesh helped pioneer this event with Ian Botham and it is fair to say that the event would not have happened without him.

Ramesh was instrumental in the success of the Annapurna Triathlon, Nepal's first triathlon, the Everest Ultra, and many other sporting events not related to running.

He served as a Gurkha in the Brigade of Gurkhas of the British Army from 1974 to 1992 retiring with an Exemplary Service Record.

He was awarded Best Army Referee UK for the 1989-90 Season

SPORTS MANAGEMENT

Founder 7 - A - Side Football Nepal - 1993

Chief Organisor Annapurna Triathlon - 1991-96

Founder Ultra Trail Running 100K South Asia-1995

Chief Organisor Annapurna 100K 1995-Till Today

Vice President Nepal Badminton Association-1993-96

Senior Advisor Nepal Badminton Association Kaski Dist-2000-10

Senior Advisor Nepal Athletics Association Kaski - 2006-16

Senior Treasurer Nepal Physical Training Association - 2010 - 16

Founder Gurkha Cup 6-A-Side Football UK - 1996

Running Coach Hong Kong Trailwalker 100K - 2012-18

Running Coach Hong Kong 100K - 2012 -18

Tournament Director Nepal Ex-Servicemen Badminton 2019-20

Tournament Director Nepal Thakali Badminton 2021

Senior Advisor Thakali Youth Badminton Group Pokhara-2020

Advisor Pokhara Thakali Service Community - 2018

Managed Nepal Action Training Centre with Hostel - 2000-2015 Focusing on Potential Candidates for British Army Selection And Singapore Gurkha Police Selection Physical Training - Education - Medical Advice - Interview System

Role

With his vast experience of event organisation in Nepal, Ramesh's knowledge is invaluable and his guidance priceless in the smooth running of the event. He will act as chief advisor and executive producer.

Jan Turner

Media Director and Head of Promotions.

Background

Jan is an Artist who first came to Nepal to paint in 1980. Jan was responsible created the Everest Marathon with Tony Hunt in 1985, Nepal's first internation race. He then went on to create the Annapurna Triathlon, Nepal's first international triathlon, where he teamed up with Ramesh Bhattachan. He helped set up the Kathmandu Marathon with Ajay and Sam Simha before turning his mind to the Annapurna 100, where he persuaded Ian Botham to come and pioneer the event. After that became a success, thanks to the efforts of Ramesh and Richard Bull, he created the Everest Ultra with Ramesh. When Jan started the Everest Marathon there were no ultra races in Nepal, now ultra running is an industry in its own right.

Jan has never treated any of these events as a business and has never profitted from them, other than having the pleasure of seeing their success in developing tourism in Nepal and promoting Nepali Runners.

Role

Co-ordinating the media promotion of the event and attracting sponsorship as well as being the executive producer of the filming, photography and public relations.


The Annapurna 100 is not an entry level event.

This event is a qualifier for the Everest 100

Longer Distance

To enter the Annapurna 100 you will have to show proof of completion of at least one comparable event or to prove you have completed other ultra running events.

Click on Entry Button

This will take you to the annapurna100.org site where the technical details are explained.

Get In Touch

Got any questions? Don't hesitate to get in touch.

Phone

+44 7742931618

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