Monday, May 20, 2024 23:30 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, May 19, 2024 17:51 [IST]
GEYZING, : More than 115 runners from
Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Siliguri participated in the
10-kilometre “Happiness Run” held at Geyzing on Sunday. The run was organized
by ultra-marathoner Amar Subba, in collaboration with Geyzing-based Cherry
Foundation.
The
10K run took off from Kyongsa stadium and after covering Langang, Tikjek and St.
Mary’s School area, concluded at Kyongsa Stadium.
The
run was flagged off by Gyalshing collector M. Bharani Kumar.
The
runners from both Sikkim State and neighbouring places of Darjeeling hills
fared well in the competition which witnessed athletes securing top three
positions with a few seconds of differences.
In
the women’s open run, Gangtok’s Anjuli Subba finished first while Bandana Subba
from Darjeeling and Sabina Rai from Kalimpong secured second and third position
respectively. The podium finishers in the men’s open were Vittal Rajput from Maharashtra
(first), Ganga Hang Subba from Geyzing (second) and Rinchen Lepcha from Gangtok
(third).
In
the run held for the male athletes falling under the age category of 36-49
years, Darjeeling's Pravesh Tamang came first, Bir Bahadur Rai of Jorethang
came second and Sudip Pradhan from Darjeeling stood third.
Mirik’s
Anuda Tamang won the women’s 36-49 years age category, while Shanti Rai and
Sangita Rai, both from South Sikkim, finished second and third respectively.
A run
was held for above 50-year-old runners as well.
The
winners of were given cash prizes, medals and certificates.
Amar
Subba shared that the run was held not only for promotion of long distance
running but also to encourage people to embrace endurance running as a part of
daily physical exercise for a healthy life. He expressed that an overwhelming
numbers of participation in the run is a good indicator that the people have
been embracing long distance running as part of physical activity.
Amar
Subba thanked Cherry Foundation and founder Sushil Tamang for the financial
support rendered for the run. He also
thanked social organizations, district administration and individuals for
providing him an ample support to organize the run.
Sushil
Tamang expressed that Cherry Foundation, as part of its social activities,
would continue its patronization for the development of sports sector in the State.
The foundation would be pleased to aid any social or sports event initiated for
the development and betterment of the society, he said. He further asserted the
Foundation’s commitment for sponsor any emerging athlete and athletic event in
future as well.