Gangtok, September 19 (IPR): The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Gangtok, in collaboration with the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), organised the first-ever 10K Night Marathon in Gangtok this evening at Ridge Park. The event was organised as part of efforts to promote awareness and preparedness in disaster management and to commemorate the 18 September 2011 earthquake.
Director General of Police, Mr Akshay Sachdeva, attended the event as the Chief Guest and ceremonially flagged off the marathon. State Relief Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Mr Rinzing Chewang Bhutia, attended as the Guest of Honour. MLA-cum-Advisor, Urban Development Department and Food & Civil Supplies Department, Mr Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, was also present.
Addressing the gathering, Director General of Police, Mr Akshay Sachdeva, congratulated District Collector, Gangtok, Mr Rohan Ramesh Agawane, IAS, and the Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department for organising the event. He expressed his appreciation for the initiative and said that such events provide an opportunity to promote fitness while encouraging greater participation among young people.
He also appreciated the enthusiasm shown by the participants and said that initiatives combining fitness with disaster awareness can contribute to strengthening public engagement and preparedness.
Guest of Honour, State Relief Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Mr Rinzing Chewang Bhutia, congratulated the participants and appreciated their enthusiastic participation. He said that the Department would extend necessary support and assistance to initiatives aimed at strengthening awareness and preparedness among the public.
The marathon started from Ridge Park and proceeded towards the Secretariat, passing through Dukit Pan Dokan and Zero Point, and continued via Vajra, Black Cat Institute and Swastik Dwar up to Happiness Shop. The participants then retraced the same route to finish at Ridge Park.
The 10K Night Marathon was conducted in two categories—10K Male and 10K Female. The winner in each category was awarded a cash prize of Rs 10,000, while the first and second runners-up received Rs 7,000 and Rs 5,000, respectively.
In the 10K Male category, Mr Puran Rai secured first position and received a cash prize of Rs 10,000. Mr Firoz Khatri secured second position and received Rs 7,000, while Mr Imran Ansari secured third position and received Rs 5,000.
In the 10K Female category, Ms Anjali Subba secured first position and received Rs 10,000. Ms Chandrakala Sharma secured second position and received Rs 7,000, while Ms Priyadarshini secured third position and received Rs 5,000.
Mr D.T. Lepcha was recognised as the oldest participant in the marathon.
The organisers also felicitated Senior Superintendent of Police, Gangtok, Dr Tshering Namgyal Gyatso, and Managing Director, State Bank of Sikkim, Mr Phurba Wandi Bhutia, for their support and contribution towards the event.
The event was attended by officers and staff of DDMA, Gangtok, and SSDMA, representatives from various line departments, and students.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK