Assam: Kaziranga Ultra Run Sees Massive Participation

KAZIRANGA: A large turnout was seen for the Run for the Rhino - Ultra Run at Kaziranga which took place here on Sunday, at the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.

According to the park authorities, not only did the number of participants was around double that of the first edition in January 2023, but the event has also risen to the national league of ultra runs in the nation in terms of the highest participation across all categories in a 52-kilometre ultra run category.

Because of the large number of registrations, the event had to close at 1000 this time and about 900 people participated in the same. To accommodate participants from all walks of life, the different run categories included 52 km, 26 km, 10 km, and 5 km run and walk, an official told Pratidin Time.

The route, which began at the Kohora Range's entrance, continued through the picturesque rural landscape. The track's general maintenance and the provision of hydration stations were delegated to village eco-development committees. The forest frontline workers of Kaziranga NPTR and the commandos of the Police Training Centre Dergaon both actively competed in the race.

“The world has praised the "Kaziranga model" of wildlife conservation, in which forest frontlines have led the charge in the fight against poaching. Inside the Park, fairweather roads enable the tourism season, which begins in early October and runs through April. Nonetheless, the Park Authorities have a great deal of potential to carry on year-round tourism activities (including events promoting wellness like cycling, trekking, and running). Therefore, the goal of the Kaziranga ultra run is to establish it as a yearly occasion that everyone should attend," the official continued.

Remarkably, this is the only athletic occasion in the world devoted to rhino conservation. Senior forest and civic administration officials attended the awards ceremony and 48 winners in a variety of categories left the event with more than Rs 4 lakh in prize money.

Sonali Ghosh, Director of KNPTR, stated, "Fulfilling the dream and vision of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for promoting the ‘GREATER KAZIRANGA’ concept, the world-famous Protected Area is popularly becoming a visitor destination where one can experience Physical and mental well being."

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