Namchi, February 22, 2026: The picturesque surroundings of Temi Tea Garden came alive with energy and enthusiasm on Sunday as the inaugural Dragon Run 1.0 was successfully flagged off at Lamaytar Ground, attracting hundreds of participants from across Sikkim and neighbouring states. The event combined fitness, community engagement, and charitable causes, marking the beginning of what organisers hope will become one of Sikkim's premier annual sporting events.
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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 marathon was inaugurated by Bedu Singh Pant, Area MLA and Advisor to the Excise Department and Directorate of Sikkim State Lotteries, Government of Sikkim. The event was also attended by several distinguished guests, including Director General of Police (DGP) Akshay Sachdeva, Inspector General Hari Chettri, Temi Tea Garden Managing Director Radha Pradhan, and Dilliram Poudyal, Chief Advisor of Temi Youth Club. Local leaders, officials, and members of the public also turned out in large numbers to support the event.
Organised by the 3rd India Reserve Battalion (IRBN), Mangley, under the Sikkim Police, Dragon Run 1.0 was conceived as a platform to promote physical fitness, healthy living, charity, and stronger community bonding. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from runners of different age groups and fitness levels, reflecting the growing popularity of marathon events in the state.
Participants competed in several categories, including the 2-kilometre Walk and Talk Charity Event, 5-kilometre Open Race for men and women, and 10-kilometre races in both the Open category and age categories of 35–45 years, 46–55 years, and 56 years and above. The diverse categories enabled athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and recreational participants alike to take part in the celebration of health and endurance.
To encourage participation and recognise outstanding performances, organisers announced attractive cash prizes. Winners in the 5-kilometre Open category received prizes of ₹25,000, ₹20,000, and ₹15,000 for the top three positions, while consolation prizes were awarded to the top ten finishers. In the 10-kilometre Open category, the first three winners received ₹50,000, ₹40,000, and ₹30,000 respectively, along with consolation awards. Winners in the age-group categories were also rewarded with cash prizes of up to ₹20,000, while the 2-kilometre Walk and Talk event featured special awards for the Best Costume, adding a festive and inclusive element to the programme.
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The successful organisation of Dragon Run 1.0 showcased the collaborative efforts of the Sikkim Police, local organisations, volunteers, and the community. Officials expressed confidence that the event would not only encourage fitness and healthy lifestyles but also promote sports tourism and strengthen community spirit in the state.
With overwhelming public participation and enthusiastic support from government officials, community leaders, and local residents, the inaugural edition of Dragon Run concluded on a high note, laying the foundation for what is expected to become a flagship sporting event on Sikkim's annual calendar.
