MEMBERS of the Nepalese community in Basingstoke marked the Nepali New Year 2079 with a host of celebrations.

On April 17, 170 runners gathered at the War Memorial Park which was the centre stage of the event.

The occasion involved the first UK event held by Nepal run being the Peepal Nepal Run 2022 as well as a charity run on offer too.

The run was managed by Brighton Hill resident Poonam Gurung.

Mrs Gurung said: “Aside from celebrating the Nepali New Year, the event was also aimed at integrating with the local community, involving youth and encouraging people to stay healthy.”

Opening the yearly event was Nepali deputy ambassador to the UK, Rhoshan Khanal.

She said: “Such activities are important for health awareness, fostering brotherhood and unity among the Nepali community and strengthening relationships with the wider UK community.”

Before the whistle was blown, a minute’s silence was held in memory of one of the runners, Daman Gurung who died only days before the run.

A variety of representatives from the community and other Nepali organisations participated in the occasion as well as Cultural Diversity Consortium Nsima Udoh and Effie Grant, president of Nepal Run Santosh Rai and Karam Gurung, president of Pokhreli Manch UK.

After the race finishers received medals, and all participants were treated to fruit, drinks and Nepali snacks.

PEEPAL Mortgage was the main sponsor of the run, alongside a few other sponsors including Pokhreli Manch UK and the Basingstoke Nepalese community.

All of the money raised from the event will be donated to three worthy causes.

These are Cafe Dome at Brighton Hill, Pokhara Marathon Nepal and Dharan Run Nepal.

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