219 Run for Water in Gangtok

GANGTOK, 19 Dec: People from different age groups participated in the Open Run 2013 organized by the Department of Irrigation and Flood Control with the support of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs here this morning. The run was organized to mark 2013 as the Water Conservation Year.
A total of 219 runners [36 women and 183 men] registered for the run which was flagged off by the Sports Minister, NK Pradhan from Titanic Park. Irrigation Minister, Dawcho Lepcha was also present as the guest of honour.
Starting from Titanic Park, the route raced up Tibet Road to MLA Hostel, on to Ridge Park around the Palace compound to Dukhit Pan Dokan and down Kazi Road, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Star Hall, up Tibet Road again and finally ended at the starting point.
In men’s category, Dawa Sherpa finished the run first [16:14:30], who was followed by Sher Bahadur Chettri in second place [16:40:82] and Gokul Neopaney in third place [16:47:86].
In women’s category, Hem Kumari Karki stood first [20:27:94], while Anjali Subba came in second [21:48:92] followed by Chandra Kala Sharma in third place [23:14:16].
Water Conservation Pledge to save water and to treat it with care was also administered by the Sports Minister to runners before the flagging off.
The chief guest handed over the certificate, trophy and cash prize of Rs 5000, Rs 3000 and Rs 2000 to first, second and third place winners respectively of both categories. Participation certificates were also distributed to all participants.