The Mountains Call: Noshin Sharmili’s rise in trail running

Sports Reporter :

For Bangladeshi marathoner Noshin Sharmili, the rugged paths of the mountains hold a far greater pull than paved roads.

Since beginning her journey in 2023, Noshin has been steadily carving out a name for herself on the international stage, specifically in the grueling disciplines of trail running and high-altitude marathons.

Noshin’s 2024 season was defined by her resilience. She took on the Ladakh Marathon in India—one of the world’s highest races at an elevation of 11,150 feet. She successfully completed the full 42.195 km marathon in just over six hours.

Later that year, she traveled to Darjeeling for the “Buddha Trail” hill race. Competing as the only female runner from Bangladesh, she secured an impressive 13th place in the women’s category after a 30 km mountain trek.

December 2025 marked a massive milestone in her career. After finishing a half-marathon at the Amazing Thailand Marathon in Bangkok, Noshin headed straight to Chiang Mai for the Hmong 50, an Asia Major and World Series trail race.

She completed the punishing 56 km course, making history as the first Bangladeshi woman to successfully finish the race.

Running at extreme altitudes is no easy feat. Reflecting on the physical toll, Noshin shared: “The thin air, the uneven terrain, and the constant struggle to maintain balance make mountain running incredibly difficult.

But it’s the sense of adventure and the mountain environment that keep me coming back.”

At 30, Noshin is focused on the future. Her eyes are set on the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) World Championship. She is currently competing in qualifying races to earn her spot.

Whether she gains entry through the lottery or continued performance, her ultimate goal remains clear: representing Bangladesh on the world’s biggest trail-running stages.