Burtuk Run 2026 concludes successfully; set to return next year

BIJOY GURUNG

GANGTOK: The Burtuk Run 2026 was successfully conducted on Saturday morning, with over 800 runners participating in the multi-category marathon organised by Ranka Sporting Club at Khel Gaon, Reshithang, near Gangtok.

Sports Minister Raju Basnet attended the event as the chief guest. The marathon featured 5 km, 10 km and 21 km races, with cash prizes awarded to podium finishers in both men’s and women’s categories. The majority of participants were from Sikkim, along with several athletes from outside the State.

Upper Burtuk MLA Kala Rai, who is also the chief patron of the marathon, joined the run along with Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, MLAs Aditya Golay and Pamin Lepcha, chairpersons, and representatives from various organisations.

In the men’s 21-km race, Ganga Hang Subba secured first place, followed by Mohit Subba and Puran Rai in second and third positions respectively. Tejaswini from Maharashtra won the women’s 21-km event, with Bandana Subba and Chandra Kala finishing second and third.

The men’s 5-km race was won by Manoj Kami, while Emanuel and Abhishek Singh secured second and third positions. In the women’s 5-km category, Apsara Chettri finished first, followed by Pema O. Sherpa and Pranita Rai.

Prince Raj Mishra clinched first place in the men’s 10-km race, with Feeroj Khatri and Imran Ansari finishing second and third. In the women’s 10-km category, Priya Chettri secured first position, followed by Priya Tamang and Sabina Rai.

In the veterans’ category, Manoj Bhandari won the men’s 10-km race, while Pinki Lepcha topped the women’s event.

MLA Kala Rai stated that feedback from participants had been positive and announced that the Burtuk Run would be held again next February.

“The feedback from the athletes was wonderful and we are happy with our efforts. We have asked participants to inform us of any shortcomings so we can improve in the next edition. This run will now be a calendar event,” she said.

The MLA added that the successful conduct of the marathon was a collective effort, particularly by the local youth of Burtuk. She also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay for his encouragement and support.

Prominent Darjeeling-based marathoner Vikram Rai was among the participants from the Darjeeling and Kalimpong regions. Congratulating the organisers, he praised the smooth conduct of the event and appreciated the use of timing chips to ensure accurate and transparent results.

“The route was wonderful. The best part was to see people lined up at various points to cheer the runners. It was a well-organised and environmentally conscious run. We look forward to next year’s edition. This beautiful area has the potential to attract even more runners in the future,” Rai said.