Townsfolk today witnessed the first-ever
MEGA PINK marathon, an initiative to fight breast cancer launched by
model-turned-actor and social worker Milind Soman.
More than 100 runners, mostly school children, were seen early in the cold winter morning running from Dali Gumba to Chowrastha.
MARG (Mankind in Action for Rural
Growth), who is supporting ‘We Run’, a core group of girl child runners,
had organised the marathon on Soman’s request.
“We all ran for our mothers, daughters,
sisters and female friends to let them know we care and to never give
up. It was a surprise that so many people participated in the run,” said
MARG member Nirnay John Chhetri.
More than 160 female and male students
participated in the run that was held simultaneously across 40 cities
under the MEGA PINK banner. Not only school and college students, but
teachers, NGOs, media persons as well as elderly citizens participated
in the run that was flagged off by district welfare officer Dawa Phinjo
in the presence of Darjeeling Municipality chairman Amar Singh Rai.
At the run’s culminating point in
Chowrastha, an all girl’s pipe band from St. Philomena’s School in
Kalimpong mesmerised the gathering with soulful tunes.
In the female category, Stella Rai from
St. Teresa’s Girls Higher Secondary School, who is a member of WE RUN,
took the first position, Teresa Gurung from St. Michael’s Higher
Secondary School bagged the second spot, while Poonam Prasad from
Municipal Girl’s High School stood third. Incidentally, Poonam is also
the ambassador for MEGAPINK-Darjeeling besides being a WE RUN member.
In the male category, Joseph Chettri of
St. Michael’s High School Singamari stood first, Angphu Dorjee Sherpa
from St. Joseph’s School came second and Rahul Rai from Gyanoday Niketan
bagged the third position.
Prizes comprised gift coupons sponsored
by Glenary’s Confectionery, The Park, Keventers, Chopstick Restaurant
and Off Roads. The event was supported by Hotel Cedar Inn, Darjeeling
Municipality, Darjeeling En-fielders Club and Renaissance Photography
Club with active support of the Darjeeling Press Guild (DPG).
“MARG has done a commendable job by
organising this event in Darjeeling. For me it was a memorable
experience to run along with children and be part of an event that is
close to my heart,” said Vikram Rai, a DPG member.
The organisers also released more than
200 pink coloured hydrogen balloons carrying the legends
‘MEGAPINK-Darjeeling’ and ‘NEVER GIVE UP’.(EOIC)
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