Ashford, Kent – June 8, 2025
Over 2,000 people gathered today at the Great Chart Playing Field for the annual Gurkha Walk, a vibrant celebration of Gurkha heritage and community spirit.
The event, which featured a challenging 13-kilometer run, lively music, and distinguished guests, was a resounding success, enjoyed by participants and spectators alike.
The guest of honour, Sojan Joseph, the Labour Member of Parliament for Ashford, was in attendance to lend his support to the event and the Gurkha community.
The centerpiece of the day was the 13km run, which saw fierce competition. In the men’s category, Prakash Gurung delivered a stunning performance, crossing the finish line in a remarkable 51 minutes and 12 seconds to claim first place.
He was followed by Rajesh Khadga, who secured second place with a time of 55 minutes and 16 seconds.
Hiren Babu Rai rounded out the top three, finishing in 58 minutes and 29 seconds.
The women’s race was equally competitive. Manda Gurung clinched the top spot with an impressive time of 1 hour and 13 seconds.
Close behind was Punam Gurung, who took second place with a time of 1 hour, 12 minutes, and 23 seconds.
Jamtara Rai secured the third position, completing the course in 1 hour, 14 minutes, and 27 seconds.
Following the run, the atmosphere was filled with music and celebration as renowned Nepali folk singers Raju Pariyar and Shila Ale took to the stage. Their performances were a highlight of the day, with many attendees joining in for traditional dances, creating a joyous and unified spectacle.
The Gurkha Walk serves as a significant cultural event, bringing together the Nepalese community and local residents to honour the legacy and contributions of the Gurkhas. Today’s large turnout and the spirited participation in all activities underscored the event’s importance and its place in the hearts of many.
GPF
