KATHMANDU: Nepali-origin US runner Bal Joshi is set to compete in the World Marathon Challenge, a seven-day event covering all seven continents.

The challenge will begin in Antarctica and conclude in Miami, southeastern Florida, the United States of America. Joshi is the only athlete of Nepali origin participating in the event, which covers a total distance of 294 kilometres through seven races, each spanning 42.19 kilometers.

Joshi is expected to run in traditional Nepali national attire Daura and Suruwal and carry the US flag during the competition.

The World Marathon Challenge was launched in 2015 AD. This year, a total of 54 runners from more than 30 countries, including China, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Portugal, Canada, Ukraine, Norway, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Romania, are taking part.

Joshi has been running since 2021 for social work and human welfare. Born in Surkhet, the 41-year-old athlete has been residing in the United States for over two years and has already participated in more than two dozen marathon competitions worldwide.