Tamang and Rai make it a double for Nepal in MSIG Sai Kung 50

Nepalese runner Samir Tamang was crowned Asian men’s skyrunning champion on Saturday after winning the 50km MSIG Sai Kung 50 in four hours, 58 minutes and 40 seconds.

China’s Yan Longfei, who won the previous two races in the series, the MSIG HK50 and MSIG Lantau 50, was second in 5:11:50. Spanish runner Cristofer Clemente was third, just over three minutes behind Yan.

“It is such an honour to be the champion, even though I didn’t finish the course within my estimated time,” said Tamang. “It’s a good start to the year.”

In the women’s 50km, Mira Rai made it a double for Nepal, finishing in 5:39:31, with China’s Dong Li second in 6:00:49 and American Kasie Enman third (6:13:57).

“Just heard I was ahead of many strong men, I am very happy,” said Rai.