DIMAPUR — As a
part of the 25th edition of Hornbill Festival 2024, the Department of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in collaboration with various partners,
organised the Hornbill run titled “Run for Hornbill: Against Time” on Saturday.
The event was organised with an aim to combine the spirit of
celebration of the Hornbill Festival while also championing the role of
ecologically and culturally important birds in the forests of the state
especially the Hornbills which are inextricably intertwined with the Naga
culture and heritage but declining at the same time.
The Hornbill Run began at New Police Reserve Junction
Phesama and culminated at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, covering a
distance of 5.40 kilometers.
In the female category, Tsuchoi T emerged as the winner
finishing the run in 25.44 minutes, followed by Niansai T and Songmo P in the
second and third positions by completing the run in 26.20 minutes and 27.30
minutes respectively.
In the male category, Wede T Mero bagged the first position
finishing the run in 19.57 minutes, followed by Tsole Yhokha and Shiangjiu T
Khiamniungan in the second and third positions by completing the run in 20.44
minutes and 21.00 minutes respectively.
The winner of the oldest participant was awarded to Khughavi
Sema, 54 years of age, while the award of the youngest participant was bagged
by a 13 year old Helen.
The prizes included certificate, cash and medals.
Altogether, 266 participants from different organisations, churches, NGOs,
departments and enthusiasts participated in the run.
