Namchi, February 22, 2026: The inaugural edition of Dragon Run 1.0 was successfully flagged off at Lamaytar Ground in the picturesque Temi Tea Garden of Namchi district, drawing enthusiastic participation from runners, fitness enthusiasts, and community members from across Sikkim and neighbouring regions.
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| Participants take off from the starting line at Lamaytar Ground, Temi Tea Garden, during the inaugural Dragon Run 1.0 marathon in Namchi. (Image: DIO Gangtok) |
The event was inaugurated by Bedu Singh Pant, Area MLA and Advisor to the Excise Department and Directorate of Sikkim State Lotteries, Government of Sikkim. The marathon also witnessed the presence of several prominent dignitaries, including Director General of Police Akshay Sachdeva, Inspector General Hari Chettri, Temi Tea Garden Managing Director Radha Pradhan, and Dilliram Poudyal, Chief Advisor of Temi Youth Club, along with local leaders, officials, and members of the public.
Organised by the 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBN), Mangley, Sikkim Police, Dragon Run 1.0 was conceived as a platform to promote physical fitness, healthy lifestyles, charity, and stronger community engagement. The event combined competitive sports with social participation, encouraging people of all ages to take part.
Participants competed in a variety of race categories, including the 2 KM Walk and Talk Charity Event, 5 KM Open Race for Men and Women, and the 10 KM Open and Age Category Races. The age-category events were divided into groups of 35–45 years, 46–55 years, and 56 years and above, ensuring wider participation among different age groups.
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To encourage competition and reward excellence, attractive cash prizes were announced across categories. Winners of the 5 KM Open race received prizes of ₹25,000, ₹20,000, and ₹15,000 for the top three positions, along with consolation prizes for the top ten finishers. The 10 KM Open category offered prize money of ₹50,000, ₹40,000, and ₹30,000, while winners in the age-group categories received awards of up to ₹20,000. The 2 KM Walk and Talk event also featured special prizes for participants with the best costumes.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Temi Tea Garden, the event witnessed strong public participation and enthusiastic support from local organisations and volunteers. Organisers described the successful debut of Dragon Run 1.0 as a significant milestone and expressed hope that it would evolve into a flagship sporting and community event for Sikkim in the years to come.
