At the crack of dawn, the picturesque Marine Drive in Cox’s Bazar came alive as around 400 men and women gathered at the President Beach Point for a spirited morning run.
From children to the elderly, participants exuded enthusiasm, accompanied by the reassuring presence of security personnel from the army and police.
The event began with light formalities, followed by a 30-minute warm-up session on the sandy beach.
At 6:30 AM, the runners lined up and set off, marking the start of the Victory Day Half Marathon, jointly organized by the Cox’s Bazar District Administration and the Bangladesh Army.
The race concluded by 10:30 AM, having seen participation from various walks of life, including five international runners, 40 women, and several members of the armed forces.
The marathon featured two main categories for men and women aged 18-45, with cash prizes awarded to the top finishers, Champion Tk50,000, 1st Runner-Up Tk30,000, and 2nd Runner-Up Tk20,000.
Moreover, participants who placed 4th to 10th received commemorative plaques.
Special recognition plaques were also given to all participants aged 45-59, celebrating their commitment and resilience.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Tareque Hasan
