A trail runner from Nepal and a role model for the new generation of female athletes, Sunmaya is redefining societal perceptions of women in sports in her country. Born in a remote mountain village at 2,800 meters in Jumla, Nepal, she grew up surrounded by towering peaks in the Himalayas. At the age of 12, Sunmaya discovered her love for running when she won her first school race, sparking the beginning of her journey as a trail runner.

To pursue her dreams, Sunmaya chose the bravest and most challenging path: she devoted herself fully to professional training, keeping it a secret from her parents. In 2016, at just 17 years old, she won her first official trail race, marking the start of her professional career and the beginning of her presence on the international trail running stage.

At the HK100 in early 2025, Sunmaya won in dramatic fashion while smashed an extremely fast course record. Instead of celebrating immediately, she turned to embrace her sister, who had also broken the course record the previous day in the 56km category. They are each other's strongest support, and their mutual encouragement has become a truly inspiring sight on the trail.

With every step she takes, Sunmaya is redefining her own life, introducing trail running to more people in Nepal, and inspiring countless women to gain courage and confidence through sport.

Highlights

• 2021 1^st Doi Inthanon UTMB (Thailand)
• 2022 2^nd UTMB CCC (Europe)
• 2023 1^st The North Face 100 (Hong Kong)
• 2024 1^st TSAIGU TRAIL (China)
• 2025 1^st HK100 (Breaking the course record)
• 2025 2^nd World Mountain & Trail Running Championships - Long Trail (Spain)
• 2025 1^st Ultra-trail Cape Town (South Africa)
• 2025 1^st World Trail Major Series Overall Champion (Global)