Rashila Tamang’s running journey began unexpectedly in 2015 at age 16 when she joined a 5km Women’s Day race, thinking it was a rally, and finished second behind Nepal’s trail-running star, Mira Rai. Growing up in Dhunibesi, west of Kathmandu, her daily chores on steep hills unknowingly built her endurance for trail running.

Her breakthrough came after winning a 12km race post-10th grade, which set her on a successful path. Over the years, she has claimed podium finishes at major events like the Everest Marathon, Mustang Trail Race, and the Asia Trail Master. In 2023, she secured second place at The North Face Malaysia Mountain Trail Festival.

In 2024, Rashila tackled the 100km CCC race at the UTMB World Series. In 2025, she completed the Myanmar 50km Kalaw Ultra Trail Run, clinched first place at the Mt. Popa Ultra Marathon, and conquered the 100km Night Race in Nagarkot.

Rashila’s Mission Beyond the Finish Line

For Rashila, running is more than just a sport; it’s a platform to bring global attention to Nepal’s environmental issues.

Her ultimate goal is to raise funds to plant fruit trees in her home village and neighboring communities through the Juniper Trust's Nepal Evergreen Project. In 2024, she raised over $1,000 and distributed over 1,200 fruit trees, including walnut, lychee, mango, avocado, and lemon.

In July 2025, during Nepal's vital monsoon planting season, Rashila delivered a further 1,300 fruit trees—lemon, lychee, amla, walnut, pomegranate, jackfruit, guava, and avocado—to the communities of Khukurechaur, Kot Danda, and Dhunibesi in Dhading.

She plans to raise an additional $1,000 to plant 1,000 more trees as soon as the funds are available. Rashila is deeply committed to reforesting Nepal and supporting rural communities—one tree at a time.

The Nepal Evergreen Project

Initiated by the Juniper Trust, the Nepal Evergreen Project focuses on reforestation and environmental education in Nepal. It aims to plant trees in deforested areas, promote sustainable farming practices, and educate local communities on the importance of preserving their natural environment. By restoring greenery, the project hopes to mitigate the effects of climate change, prevent landslides, and improve quality of life for future generations.

Supporting Rashila means contributing not only to her athletic journey but also to her efforts to uplift her community and make a lasting impact in her hometown.