Dharan, Feb. 25: Julius Muriuki, a Kenyan national, and Santoshi Shrestha of Nepal emerged victorious in the men’s and women’s categories respectively in ‘Dharan 10K Run 2024’ at the 12th edition of the New Charity Run on Saturday. 

Muriuki completed the 10km run in 32 minutes and 50 seconds while Shrestha took 38 minutes and 8 seconds. This year, the race was organised with the motto ‘Run for Education’. Timing chips were also used during the race.

Likewise, Prashan Tamang (34 minutes) and Pawan Rai (34 minutes 11 seconds) reached the finished line as second and third in the men’s category. In the women’s category, Chhenbi Maya Rai (44 minutes 2 seconds) and Indra Kala Nembang (45 minutes 25 seconds) came second and third respectively.  

The top three runners in both categories received Rs. 60,000, Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 30,000 respectively. The awards and prizes were distributed by Dharan’s Mayor Harka Raj Rai.

Similarly, in the U16 male category, Tilak Rai, Dipen Mukhiya and Sunil Basnet came first, second and third respectively. In the U16 female category, Juhi Rai, Binita Rai and Shilpa Rai completed the race in first, second and third positions respectively. 

Meanwhile, Rewat Dahal finished first in the veteran men’s category followed by Karna Sherpa and Prabin Rai as second and third respectively. In the veteran women’s category, Jamuna Limbu, Chandra Rai and Som Maya Rai came first, second and third respectively.

The organisers had also organised a wheelchair race alongside a race for elected local levels. A free race was also organised for those aged 16-39 years old.

The 10k Dharan Run started from Putali Line with runners returning to the same point via Purano Bazaar, Palika Bazaar, Pindeshwor Temple, Bijaypur Chowk, Red Cross Building, Zero Point, Janaki Chowk, Mangalbare, Ratna Chowk, Buddha Chowk and Durga Chowk. 

The money levied during the race is being provided to 12 diligent students in the community schools of Dharan. 

The race also saw performances from the British Gurkha Brigade Band, singer Raju Lama, former Miss Nepal Malvika Subba, and actress and model Niti Shah among others.