DHARAN: When Saturday comes about, everyone from children to adults want to stay at home for a little bit of rest and relaxation. It’s a day when schools are closed and so are offices, but even on a holiday the people of Dharan wake up early in the mornings to attend Dharan Run.

Dharan Run, organized by Dharan Run Samuha founded by Santosh Rai, starts every Saturday at 7 am. The marathon begins from Yalamber Park and extends to Tinkune, from where the runners circle back to the park, covering a 3.5 km distance. Since there is no age bar for the event, anyone interested is welcomed to participate.

Thirteen year-old Lajhehang and eight year-old Nigwhahang Fombo are two such participants living at Paniwari, Dharan-5 who walk for half an hour to reach Yalamber Park to take part in the run. The run starts at 7 am sharp, but if they’re late, they are welcome to join the others. 

Started six years earlier, Dharan Run began with a mere 27 runners but today, has managed to consolidate 8,215 active runners. Participants have also participated in the run 312 times every Saturday according to the President of Dharan Run Samuha, Rawmu Rai. ‘Get Fit, Have Fun, Save Lives’ is the theme of the event.

Dharan Ran also aims to promote a healthy lifestyle among the youth of Dharan by helping them make a habit of running in the mornings. By encouraging children to participate in the weekly runs regularly, Dharan Run aims to motivate them to live a healthy life. Accordingly, the runners who complete 20 weeks or 50 weeks of runs are awarded with incentives like t-shirts. Apart from helping people live a healthy life, the run also, from time-to-time, raises funds for charity. On these days, runners are asked to make donations as per their willingness and capabilities. These funds are utilized in the proper education and medical treatment of underprivileged children.

To an extent, Dharan Run has succeeded in helping the denizens of Dharan make a habit of running since the locals tend to participate in these run even during festive seasons like Dashain and Tihar.

The concept of the run was inspired by runs that Santosh used to attend during his time in London. His participation in such event inspired him to replicate the idea in Dharan.

Talking about the benefits of participating in Dharan Run, Rawmu shared, “This event has helped school going kids utilize their spare time and be aware of health benefits after running. Moreover, they are also learning to socialize which is helping them in their development process. The interesting thing is these days we don’t need to invite people. People are aware of the event and they come to participate time and again.”