Panchanan Bera, Anisha win 10 km competitive categories at Red Run 3.0 in Chümoukedima

DIMAPUR — Over 136 participants took part in the Red Run 3.0 Marathon held at the Agri Expo, 4th Mile, Chümoukedima, on Thursday morning, with the temperature around 24°C. Runners clad in red t-shirts took to the course as part of the event.

The marathon comprised a 10 km competitive category with participants from 35 states and union territories, traversing landmarks across Chümoukedima district, from the Agri Expo to CT Square.

The 10 km competitive run was flagged off by V Hekali Zhimomi, additional secretary and director general, National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

In the men’s competitive 10 km category, Panchanan Bera from West Bengal claimed the top spot, completing the race in 31 minutes and 36 seconds while wearing bib number 168. Rohan Kumar from Uttar Pradesh secured second place with a time of 32 minutes and 13 seconds (bib number 165), followed by Ramjan Ali from West Bengal, who finished third in 32 minutes and 40 seconds.

In the women’s competitive category, Anisha from Uttarakhand topped the list, finishing in 38 minutes and 1 second (bib number 264). Pournami from Kerala secured second place with a time of 38 minutes and 10 seconds (bib number 230), while Pooja from Punjab took third place, completing the run in 38 minutes and 20 seconds (bib number 250).

Also read: Volunteers briefed, routes inspected ahead of Red Run 3.0 launch in Nagaland

Winners in the 10 km competitive category received INR 50,000 each for first place (male and female), INR 35,000 each for second place, and INR 25,000 each for third place.

In the 2 km open (general) category, which was flagged off by Abu Metha, vice president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and secretary general of NOA, the solidarity run saw 528 participants from schools, government departments, the district administration, police, NGOs, youth organisations, and churches, making the event inclusive and participatory.

Hosted by Nagaland, the Red Run 3.0 marathon aimed to encourage collective action among youth and communities for better health and well-being. It was organised by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) in collaboration with the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) and the Nagaland Athletics Association (NAA), supported by NACO.

Panchanan Bera, winner of the men’s 10 km category, attributed his victory to rigorous preparation and strategic rest ahead of the event. “I had a lot of preparation and took plenty of rest before the final event,” he said in a post-win interview.

Winner of the women’s 10 km category, Anisha, expressed her joy and gratitude after claiming the top spot, saying she was thrilled to represent Uttarakhand. She credited her success to her coaches and team, thanking them for their unwavering support.

Despite downplaying her preparation, Anisha said she felt confident about winning the marathon from the moment she started running. Notably, this was her first-ever marathon participation.

‘More than just a race’

Addressing participants, Zhimomi underscored the Red Run’s mission to unite youth and foster awareness about HIV&AIDS while promoting healthy habits and discipline. She noted that young people have the potential to drive change, saying, "Young people are not just beneficiaries of health programmes, but they can be change makers and advocates.”

Highlighting India’s demographic advantage with 40% of its population under 29 years, Zhimomi emphasised the need to empower youth with accurate information and access to youth-friendly health services.

She urged participants to become ambassadors for spreading awareness on HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, leveraging their collective reach to drive positive change.

"The Red Run is more than just a race—it's a symbol of solidarity, a platform for dialogue, and a call to action," she said, emphasising the event's broader impact. She also expressed gratitude to the government of Nagaland, NSACS, and all the organising partners for their support and hospitality.

Metha, conveying greetings from Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who could not attend due to prior commitments, welcomed project directors and representatives from various state AIDS control societies, noting that their presence underscored a collective effort toward building “a healthier and more informed India”.

"Your achievement goes beyond winning; you've run for awareness and a cause that unites our nation," he told the winners.

Emphasising Nagaland’s identity as the “land of festivals”, Metha invited guests to revisit and explore the state’s culture and natural beauty. “Come back for the Hornbill Festival from December 1 to 10,” he said, “and experience the essence of Naga traditions, music, and cuisine.”

Metha praised the athletes for their dedication and spirit, highlighting that sports reward merit, discipline, and hard work. “In sports, there are no shortcuts—only hard work and perseverance bring success. Sports recognise effort, not luck,” he said. He encouraged young athletes to keep striving, adding, “Work hard every day; one day, you will stand on the podium and make India’s flag rise high.”

Metha noted the Northeast’s growing prominence in sports, with talented athletes excelling in various disciplines. “Sports is a powerful unifier that breaks down barriers and brings people together,” he said. Highlighting the Red Run’s diverse participation, he added, “This event showcases India’s unity in diversity, with athletes from every corner of the country coming together in Dimapur.”

He concluded by expressing pride in Nagaland’s role as host, thanking the MoHFW, NACO, NSACS, and all partners for their collaboration. “This event is more than just a race—it’s a movement for awareness, solidarity, and national unity,” he said.