A half marathon was held in Moulvibazar on Friday attracting nearly 800 amateur runners of various ages.
The event was organized jointly by the Moulvibazar Runners Club and Moulvibazar Cycling Community to promote health and fitness while showcasing the district's natural beauty.
The marathon began at 6:15 AM on Friday from the Bengal Convention Hall on Srimangal Road. Participants competed in two categories, covering distances of 21 kilometers and 10 kilometers. The route passed through Komolganj's Kalenga Bazaar, extended to the scenic Premnagar Tea Garden, and ended at the Moulvibazar Stadium.
According to the organizers, the event aimed to highlight the region's natural charm and encourage a culture of fitness.
In the 21-kilometer race, Ashraful Alam secured first place among men, while Tabassum Ferdous was the first among women. In the 10-kilometer category, Tofael Bin Mostafa and Jonaki Akhter Mim emerged as the winners in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively.
Participants shared their positive experiences, with runner Nilanjan Dev expressing his enthusiasm for the event: "It was a wonderful experience to participate in the marathon. Running is something I enjoy, and it helps me stay physically and mentally healthy."
Student participant Toha Siddiqui highlighted the picturesque route: "Running through the lush tea gardens was truly enjoyable. I had a great time."
Imon Ahmed, an administrator of the Moulvibazar Cycling Community, emphasized the significance of the event: "This year’s half marathon featured two categories, 21 kilometers and 10 kilometers, with nearly 800 participants across all age groups."
Dr. Sanjib Mitei, one of the event's organizers, underlined the health benefits of running and the purpose of the initiative: "Running is excellent for maintaining physical and mental well-being. Through this event, we aim to encourage an interest in running and bring Moulvibazar’s natural beauty to the attention of a wider audience, both locally and internationally."