Sikkim Mountaineering Association Organizes Marathon on October 7

In a bid to encourage the young athletes of the state, the Sikkim Mountaineering Association (SMA) is organizing a Gangtok Road Runners on October 7. In addition to awakening the urge for physical fitness amongst the youngsters, the organizers are also looking forward to create awareness about the upcoming Kanchenjunga Marathon.

Gangtok Road Runners director and Everester Kunzang Gyatso said, “Our aim is to engage people towards a healthy life and also create awareness about the Kanchenjunga Marathon. The first, second and third position winners of both boys and girls in 10 km category and the winner of veterans’ category will get direct entry to Kanchenjunga Marathon. The seven winners would be sponsored by the organisers for the Kanchenjunga Marathon.”

The Kanchenjunga marathon will be held in two categories- 10 km (open) and 3 km (for kids) and the organizers are inviting participation from all irrespective of any age and gender. Participants will have to pay an entry fee for joining the marathon. For students, the entry fee is Rs. 200, for police/army personnel it is Rs. 300 and Rs. 500 for the general public.

The routes for both the categories of the marathon too are designed to be different. The 10 km route comprises of Ridge Park-Zero Point-Vajra-Bakthang Falls-Zero Point-Old Secretariat and Ridge Park. On the other hand, the 3 km route includes Ridge Park-Zero Point-Old Secretariat-Ridge Park.

The organizers of the marathon called for a press meet ahead of the marathon in order to spread awareness about the event and request participation of the masses. The Marketing director Wangping Thendup, coordinator Prabin Khaling, technical director Basant Pradhan and SMA secretary Bhaichung Yonzon etc all key persons of the marathon event were present at the press meet.

Notably, the Kanchenjunga Marathon had started in the year 2015 with only 20 participants.