Jorhat – The Bahubali Jorhat Half Marathon kicked off on the morning of December 15, drawing around 700 athletes from Assam and neighboring states to Jorhat Stadium. This international-level running event, organized by the NE Ujjiwan Foundation in collaboration with Bahubali Egg, aims to celebrate health, fitness, and community spirit.
The marathon featured three categories: a 21 km and a 10 km competitive race, alongside a 5 km non-competitive fun run. The event welcomed a diverse range of participants, from seasoned athletes to casual runners. The organisers highlighted the event’s goal of promoting a healthy lifestyle and fostering a sense of community, solidifying its reputation as an international-level competition.
Srimanta Madhab Dutta, Director of the NE Ujjiwan Foundation, spoke about the event’s enthusiastic reception. “We are receiving tremendous support from the people of Jorhat, which is truly encouraging. This event aims to raise awareness about health and fitness. Participants from various parts of Assam and even from other states have joined, making it a diverse and vibrant competition,” he said. Dutta also pointed out the participation of veteran athletes aged between 68 to 70 years, highlighting that age is no barrier to maintaining fitness.
He added, “Through this marathon, we hope to encourage people to adopt a health-conscious lifestyle, include running in their daily routines, and consume nutritious food. We are committed to continuing this marathon in the future and are confident that even more participants will join in the coming years.”
Akash Gogoi, an organiser of the event, mentioned that around 700-800 participants were competing in the three categories, with prizes for top finishers, along with T-shirts and caps for all participants. He also highlighted the inspiring involvement of school and college students, as well as senior athletes, aged 68 and above, and expressed optimism for greater participation in future editions of the marathon.
Among the inspiring participants were veteran runners, some aged 70 and above, who demonstrated their commitment to fitness. They were joined by younger competitors, bringing their energy and determination to the race.
Prakritish Pegu, a 53-year-old participant in the 5 km event, shared his thoughts with ANI, saying, “I am very pleased that Bahubali has organised such an international-level marathon. I believe events like this will help create awareness among people about their health and fitness.”
The Bahubali Jorhat Half Marathon is not only a competitive race but also a celebration of health, fitness, and the spirit of community, setting the stage for an even bigger and more successful event in the years to come.