Nepal’s Suman Kulung Secures Second Place in Istria 100 by UTMB 69 km Race in Croatia

Suman Kulung of Nepal claimed second place in the men’s 69 km race at the Istria 100 by UTMB event held in Croatia. He completed the race in 5 hours, 40 minutes, and 17 seconds, finishing just one minute behind the winner, Italy’s Gianluca Ghiano. Currently training in Austria, Suman is sponsored by the Sigrid Foundation. (29 Chaitra, Kathmandu)

In the 69 km men’s race, part of the Istria 100 by UTMB under the UTMB World Series held in Europe, Suman delivered an outstanding performance by completing the course in 5 hours, 40 minutes, and 17 seconds. The race’s first-place finisher, Gianluca Ghiano from Italy, completed the distance in 5 hours, 39 minutes, and 8 seconds.

Suman also competed in this race last year. In the 69 km men’s category of the 2025 Istria 100 by UTMB, he secured second place as well. Now based in Austria, Suman actively trains and competes in various international trail races. Earlier this year, he participated in the World Mountain and Trail Race Championships held in Spain in Ashoj (September/October) and also competed in the TransLantau Hong Kong by UTMB race held in Kartik (October/November).

The Sigrid Foundation in Austria has been supporting Suman. He met foundation officials in 2022 while working as a tourist guide. Impressed by his potential to become one of the world’s top runners, the foundation decided to provide him with support. Suman continues to train in trail running and other sports in Austria, including skiing and various other disciplines.