GANGTOK, :The inaugural ‘Darap
13K Trail Run’ will be held on April 6, at Darap village in West Sikkim.
The announcement was made on
Monday in a press conference held at the Journalists’
Union of Sikkim (JUS) here.
The event will feature six
distinguished female ambassadors, each representing different facets of
resilience, fitness and empowerment, informed long-distance runner Amar Subba.
Among them is Ganga Maya Thapa,
a 76-year-old veteran runner who continues to inspire generations. Shanti Rai,
a decorated trail runner, has achieved numerous accolades in the sport. Shivani
Thapa, an eight-year-old participant, symbolizes the importance of introducing
sports at an early age. Asha Phurba Tamang, popularly known as the “Marathon
Girl of Sikkim,” has consistently promoted long-distance running in the region.
Bharati Gurung, another figure in Sikkim’s running community, continues to
advocate for fitness. Elena Lepcha, a nurse at STNM Hospital, actively balances
her profession with her passion for running and fitness advocacy. Their
selection as ambassadors aims to motivate people across all age groups,
demonstrating that with dedication and persistence, anything is possible. The
all-female ambassador line-up also emphasizes women's empowerment, celebrating
their endurance and strength.
This year’s run aligns with the
Sikkim government initiative ‘Mero Rukh, Mero Santati’ (My Tree, My Legacy),
which promotes afforestation by planting 108 trees for every new-born child in
the State.
Subba highlighted that trail
running is deeply connected with nature, making this theme particularly
meaningful. He also emphasized that the event advocates for healthy habits over
harmful addictions.
Another unique aspect of the
run is its coincidence with Ram Navami, allowing runners to experience the
spiritual and cultural heritage of the region by passing through religious
temples along the trail.
The race will include multiple
age categories for both men and women, including 17–35 years, 36–49 years,
50–59 years and 60+ years. For the first time, the event will also recognize
the top three runners weighing over 80 kg, encouraging individuals on their
weight loss and fitness journey.
Registrations for the event are
available both online and offline. The registration fee is Rs. 300 with a
discounted rate of Rs.
250 for
students. Offline registration points are at Kalimpong, Darjeeling and at the
Temi Tea Shop at MG Marg, Gangtok. To ensure a smooth experience for
participants, the organizers have also arranged travel and accommodation
assistance with relevant contact details provided in the registration link.
With participants expected from
Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik and Kolkata, the Darap 13K Trail Run promises to
be an exciting and meaningful event, blending sports, nature, and cultural
heritage into one inspiring experience.
