All for a cause: Darjeeling Police Marathon raises the bar

Darjeeling: The fifth edition of the Darjeeling Police Marathon saw the raising of the bar touching international standards. As many as 3,000 participants from the country and abroad took part in the half marathon on Friday, the day marking the 155th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

The marathon was flagged off by world acclaimed Indian long jumper Anju Bobby George at Sukhiapokhari and culminated at Darjeeling Chowrasta via Ghoom and Darjeeling Railway Station, Motor Stand and the Darjeeling Zoo covering 21 km through picturesque terrain with the mighty Kanchenjunga at the backdrop.

Kanchi Maya Koju from Nepal who came first in the female category having completed the half marathon in 1 hour 20 minutes and 49 seconds stated: "The marathon has reached an international level. There was no vehicle disturbance, there were water points along the route and large number of people cheered. I thoroughly enjoyed the race."

Koju who had also come first in the Darjeeling Police Marathon in 2017 holds the number one position in both half and full marathon in Nepal. She took in many international competitions including the 1,500 m race in the 2004 Athens Olympics where she had ranked 9th.

Anish Thapa Mangar from Shillong who stood first in the male category clocking 1 hour 9 minutes and 25 seconds said: "I have been training for the past two months. I am familiar with the route and the weather was good this year. I completed the race clocking a better timing." Mangar had won the race in 2015 and 2017 also.

There were runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, New Zealand and England. Mikiyas Yemata from Ethiopia stood second in the male category while Celia Maruthan from Kenya stood sixth in the female category. "I have not missed the Darjeeling marathon even a single time. I have taken part in all the five editions. The weather is great this year. I thoroughly enjoyed," stated Andrew Bradley from New Zealand. This edition of the marathon saw two sets of new awards — one for the residents of Darjeeling and Kalimpong and the other for police personnel. Asish Subba, Civic Police came first in the police category and Hazung Bhutia came first in the local residents' category. As many as 15 eminent sports personalities including former hockey captain of India Bharat Chettri were felicitated. "This is part of our interaction with the local community and the participation increases from there. Public support and response has been immense," added Akhilesh Chaturvedi, Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling. The marathon is organised to promote peace, health and happiness. "There is a lot of talent in the Hills. The police are doing a commendable job by supporting sports," stated George.