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.