Sunmaya Budha: Photographing Nepal’s Trail Star at the Kailas FUGA Athlete Training Camp
In April last year I had the opportunity of photographing Sunmaya Budha, the remarkable Nepali trail runner, during the Fuga Athlete Training Camp in Italy. What was meant to be a short photoshoot on a rocky trail above the Amalfi Coast turned into something unforgettable when weather decided otherwise. Heavy rain and strong gusts swept over the ridge, and yet Sunmaya never complained. Even as the rain hit her face sideways, she kept the famous smile she is known for in the international trail running community — warm and inspiring.
Sunmaya Budha is not one for many words, at least not with me. Whether due to a language barrier or simply her quiet nature, she speaks mostly with her actions: with laughter, light moments, and an incredible presence on the trail. What she might not say out loud, her running certainly explains.
From Nepal’s Mountains to the World Stage
Born and raised in the remote mountain districts of Nepal’s Karnali Province, Sunmaya Budha grew up rmoving on trails long before she ever entered a race. Her early days in Jumla offered very few opportunities for a professional career, but lots of training opportunities in high altitude. This shaped her into a runner she is today.
2025 has been a standout year for Sunmaya. Her season included multiple victories and historic results:
She won the Ultra-Trail Cape Town 100km and claiming the World Trail Majors title
She earned silver at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships Long Trail in France and Spain, marking the highest finish for any Nepali in that category.
Earlier in the year she won the Anta Hong Kong 100km, setting a course record, and triumphed at several other international races.
Her current ITRA score of 808 ranks her on number 12 (overall).
Sunmaya Budha at the Kailas Fuga Athlete Camp
Strength in Simplicity
What strikes me most about Sunmaya is her grounded nature. On that rainy summit in Italy, she wore short shorts and a rain jacket, visibly cold, yet she didn’t complain once.
Sunmaya lets her performance speak for her. Her presence on the world stage does more than win races; it inspires other runners, especially women from Asia and beyond, to push boundaries and rewrite expectations.
The Path Ahead
I’m sure, I’m not the only one who is certain that Sunmaya Budhas future looks bright. After a season marked by top finishes, titles, and historic achievements, she has already spoken about taking on longer distances in the years ahead, including plans to compete at UTMB and 100-mile races. I have absolutely no doubt, that she will do great.
Those few hours on that rainy peak in Italy will stay with me for a long time. It was an absolute pleaser to work with one of the greatest athletes of her generation, capturing a few unforgettable moments of her as she moves effortlessly in her element.
