More than 500 run Gangtok Greenathon

GANGTOK, 22 June [IPR]: Minister for Forest Environment and Wildlife Management Department (FE&WMD), Tshering Wangdi Lepcha flagged off the “Greenathon” run for Green and Clean Sikkim early this morning from M.G Marg.
A marathon and a walk to mark and celebrate the Paryavaran Mahotsav was organised by Forest Environment and Wildlife Management Department (FE&WMD). Around 550 contestants participated in the marathon and around 200 people participated in the green walk.
The marathon started from M G Marg, making a round trip of 5.5 kilometer via Zero Point-White Hall and ending back at M G Marg. The event is conducted with a motive to generate awareness among the masses on clean and green environment.
The winner of the open Men's category was Abishek Chhetri and the runner-up was Gokul Neopaney and the third prize was taken by Rahul Rawat. In the Women's category the first position was bagged by Anjali Subba with Anjali Chhetri and Priyadarshani in second and third place respectively.
In the Boys' category, Dawa Tshering Lepcha secured first position while Kamal Mangar and Bal Ram Chhetri were adjudged second and third place winners respectively. In the Girls' category Yankula Gurung stood first followed by Shrijana Chhetri and Kritika Kharel in second and third positions respectively. 11-year-old Rahul Darnal who was the youngest participant was also presented with the Greenathon Award.
The Minister, Mr. Lepcha also participated in the green walk accompanied by Additional Chief Secretary, AK Srivastav, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Anil Mainra, Secretaries from various departments, Senior Officers and staff of FE&WMD and other guests.
During the function, the Minister gave away the trophy, certificates and cash prizes to the winners of the marathon and congratulated the participants for their active participation for the cause of environment.