Bodoland Organizes National Marathon to Promote Healthy, Drug-Free Living

 Guwahati:In a spirited move to foster a healthy and drug-free society, Bodoland’s Kokrajhar district hosted a national-level marathon on April 27, 2025. The event, spearheaded by the youth wing of the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), drew enthusiastic participation from across the country.Around 450 runners from various states, including many from Assam and the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), competed in the marathon, which aimed to raise awareness about the importance of a drug-free lifestyle.The marathon was ceremoniously flagged off by BTR Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pramod Boro. The challenging 34-kilometer route began at Banargaon and wound through Chandrapara, Ghoskata, and Dotma, culminating at Serfanguri. A grand award ceremony followed at the finish line, celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship and resilience.Both men's and women's categories featured intense competition. The winners were rewarded handsomely: the first-place finishers in each category received a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 along with a trophy, while second and third-place winners were awarded Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 15,000 respectively, along with trophies.In the men’s category, Panchanan Bera from West Bengal clinched the first position. Shiv Kumar Nishad from Uttar Pradesh secured the second spot, while Hitesh Boro from Baksa, BTR, earned third place, showcasing the local talent.In the women's category, Mamta Kumari from Odisha emerged victorious, taking home the top prize.The marathon not only celebrated athletic excellence but also reinforced the collective message of building a healthier, addiction-free future. Organizers expressed hope that such initiatives would inspire youth across the region to embrace a positive lifestyle and shun substance abuse.