Gyalshing, May 12 (IPR): As part of the golden jubilee celebrations of Sikkim’s statehood, the “Run for Khachoedpalri Lake” marathon was successfully held on May 11 at Khechuperi in Gyalshing district. The event aimed to promote sustainable tourism, raise ecological awareness, and celebrate the recent recognition of Khachoedpalri Lake as Sikkim’s first Ramsar Site an international distinction for wetlands of global significance. Organized by the Khachoedpalri Pokhari Sangrakshan Samiti (KPSS) under the Gyalshing Territorial Division of the Forest Department, the marathon was supported by the Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation and the Ecclesiastical Affairs Department, Government of Sikkim.
Around 600 participants, including runners from across Sikkim, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and even international athletes, took part in two categories: a 24 km run from Yuksam to Khachoedpalri and an 8 km spiritual circuit around the lake. Notably, women comprised nearly 40% of the participants. In the 24 km open men’s category, Vivek Pathak from Dehradun emerged as the winner, while Anjuli Subba from Gangtok secured first place in the women’s category. Ajay Bhujel from Kalimpong claimed the top position in the 8 km spiritual run. The 24 km marathon was flagged off at 8:26 AM from Yuksam Helipad by Zilla Adakshya Gyalshing, Mr. D.S. Limboo, in the presence of local dignitaries. The main event at Khechuperi was graced by District Collector Gyalshing, Mr. Tenzing D. Denzongpa, as the chief guest.
Other key attendees included SDM (HQ) Mr. Pulkit, DFO (Territorial) Gyalshing Mr. Kshitij Saxena, SSB Commandant Mr. Jai Prakash, Deputy Commandants Mr. Ajit Singh, KPSS President Mr. Sonam Yongda Bhutia, and Range Officer Mr. Tenzing W. Bhutia, alongside forest and district administration officials, gram panchayat members, and local residents. Local organizations such as Friends Forever Sporting Club YTDC, Darkar Tashiding Motorcycle Club, MKC Chojo, and various government schools and NGOs played an active role in facilitating the event.
Hydration and support points were managed by Hamro Samaj Deorali, NYS Thingling, and JFMCs Khachoedpalri, while medical assistance was provided by Yuksam PHC and Khachoedpalri PHSC. Speaking on the occasion, DC Gyalshing Mr. Tenzing D. Denzongpa congratulated the winners and praised the event’s wide participation, highlighting its role in promoting health, spiritual awareness, and community bonding.
He emphasized the importance of engaging youth in positive activities like sports to discourage them from illicit behavior and encouraged the regular hosting of such events to boost tourism and conservation. DFO Mr. Kshitij Saxena underscored the ecological importance of the Ramsar-designated lake and urged active public participation in conservation efforts. Range Officer Mr. Tenzing W. Bhutia revealed plans to institutionalize the marathon as an annual event at Khachoedpalri.
All participants received medals and mementos, while winners were felicitated with cash prizes across various categories, marking a memorable celebration of Sikkim’s environmental and cultural heritage.
