Namchi, February 22, 2026: The first edition of Dragon Run 1.0 was successfully flagged off at Lamaytar Ground, Temi Tea Garden, drawing enthusiastic participation from across Sikkim and beyond.
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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 Area MLA Bedu Singh Pant, Advisor to the Excise Department & Directorate of Sikkim State Lotteries, Government of Sikkim. Among the prominent attendees were Sikkim DGP Akshay Sachdeva, IG Hari Chettri, Temi Tea Garden MD Radha Pradhan, and Dilliram Poudyal, Chief Advisor of Temi Youth Club, along with several community leaders and dignitaries.
Organised by the 3rd IRBN Mangley, Sikkim Police, the marathon aimed to promote fitness, charity, and community bonding. Participants competed in multiple categories, including the 2 KM Walk and Talk (Charity Event), 5 KM Open (Men/Women), and 10 KM Open and Age Categories (35–45, 46–55, 56+).
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The event featured attractive cash prizes. Winners in the 5K Open category received ₹25,000, ₹20,000, and ₹15,000, with consolation prizes for the top 10 finishers. The 10K Open category offered prizes of ₹50,000, ₹40,000, and ₹30,000, along with consolation awards. Age group winners in the 10K race received up to ₹20,000. The 2 KM Walk and Talk also included prizes for Best Costume.
With strong public participation and support from officials and local organisations, Dragon Run 1.0 marked a vibrant beginning for what is expected to become a flagship sporting event in the region.
