Nepali-Born Runner Bal Joshi to Participate in World Marathon Challenge

Dallas, USA —

Nepali-born runner Bal Joshi, who currently lives in the United States, is set to participate in the World Marathon Challenge, widely regarded as one of the most demanding endurance events in the world, beginning in the last week of January.

Known as the “777 Challenge,” the event requires runners to complete seven full marathons on seven continents over seven consecutive days, covering a total distance of 184.4 miles, or approximately 294 kilometers. With long intercontinental flights, limited sleep, and no recovery days between races, the challenge tests both physical endurance and mental resilience.

The 2026 edition of the World Marathon Challenge will begin on January 31 in Antarctica and conclude on February 6 in Miami, United States. Joshi will be the only participant born in Nepal taking part in this year’s event.

Joshi will complete the challenge wearing traditional Nepali attire, daura suruwal. While a Nepali runner has participated in the event in the past, Joshi will be the first to do so in traditional dress, using the global platform to showcase Nepal’s culture and identity.

This year’s challenge will feature 54 runners from more than 30 countries, including the United States, China, India, Australia, the United Kingdom, Spain, Canada, Norway, Denmark, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Romania.

All participants will arrive in Cape Town, South Africa, on January 28, before being flown to Antarctica on January 30 aboard a chartered aircraft. The first marathon will take place in Antarctica on January 31, followed by races in Cape Town on February 1, Perth, Australia, on February 2, Dubai on February 3, Madrid, Spain, on February 4, Brazil on February 5, and the final marathon in Miami on February 6.

Participants will face extreme and rapidly changing weather conditions, ranging from minus 10 degrees Celsius in Antarctica to approximately 25 degrees Celsius in Dubai, with temperatures in Madrid expected to be around 5 degrees Celsius.

There will be no rest days and no hotel stays for recovery. After completing each marathon, runners must immediately prepare for the next while traveling between continents on chartered flights arranged by the organizers.

Joshi began running to maintain his health but has been running for social and humanitarian causes since 2021. He has completed more than two dozen marathons worldwide and, over the past four years, has raised over USD 200,000 through sponsors. The funds have been distributed through the One Step Foundation to support children’s education, healthcare, sports initiatives, and meal programs for senior citizens in Nepal, the United States, and Africa.

Born in Surkhet, Nepal, the 42-year-old has lived in the United States for nearly two decades. He currently resides in Grapevine, Texas, within the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, and works as a senior bank executive, balancing a demanding professional career with endurance athletics and humanitarian work.

Joshi says he sees the World Marathon Challenge as an opportunity to represent Nepal on a global stage, honoring his roots while carrying both the Nepali and American flags throughout the journey.