Rain Couldn’t Dampen the Spirit – Uttar Pradesh Runners Shine at Kaziranga Rhino Run 2025
Kaziranga, Rongili Barta- A rainy morning could not dampen the spirit of over 300 runners who gathered at the heart of Assam’s wilderness to take part in the first-ever Kaziranga Rhino Run 2025. The event, filled with enthusiasm and energy, celebrated conservation, sustainability and life amid the breathtaking landscape of Kaziranga National Park.
In the 10 km category, Annu Pal from Uttar Pradesh emerged as the female winner, completing the run in 38.29 minutes, followed closely by Sangmir Terongpi from Assam with 39.37 minutes. Mina Rashi and Neeta Patel (both from Uttar Pradesh) secured third and fourth positions, while Nisha from Assam finished fifth.
In the male category, Ajay Patel from Uttar Pradesh clinched the first position, clocking 31.09 minutes. Kamal Kumar (31.10 minutes) and Kuldeep Mauriya (32.32 minutes), both from Uttar Pradesh, secured second and third positions respectively. Brojen Tai and Tikeshwar Kurmi from Assam finished fourth and fifth.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from runners from Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, and Meghalaya, apart from Assam, adding a vibrant mix of participants from across the country. The total prize pool of ₹1,00,000 was distributed equally across male and female categories, with ₹20,000 for the first position, ₹12,000 for the second, ₹9,000 for the third, ₹5,000 for the fourth, and ₹4,000 for the fifth. Each winner also received a trophy, while all participants were presented with finisher medals, event T-shirts, and certificates in recognition of their contribution to the cause of wildlife conservation.
The event was graced by several distinguished guests including Chandra Mohan Patowary, Minister of Forest and Environment; Atul Bora, Minister of Agriculture; Keshab Mahanta, Minister of Revenue, Disaster Management & Information Technology; and Member of Parliament Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, among other dignitaries and supporters of wildlife conservation. The run was flagged off at 6:00 AM from Mihimukh, the main entry gate of the Central Range of Kaziranga National Park, by Dr. Bibhuti Ranjan Gogoi, Ranger, Central Range of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve and Bathu Khungur Boro, Deputy Director, Assam Tourism, in the presence of senior forest officials.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sonali Ghosh remarked, “This event celebrates Assam’s success in rhino conservation while also inspiring the younger generation to embrace sustainable living and the importance of preserving our natural heritage. The Kaziranga Rhino Run is not just a sporting event – it is a celebration of our collective commitment to protect the Greater One-Horned Rhino, a symbol of Assam’s pride and resilience. Over the years, the efforts of our forest personnel, conservation partners and local communities have led to remarkable achievements in rhino protection and habitat restoration. Through events like this, we hope to connect people emotionally to the cause, ensuring that every participant becomes an ambassador for conservation. Conservation is not the responsibility of a few, it is a shared journey of awareness, empathy and action. By blending fitness, tourism, and environmental consciousness, this initiative truly embodies the spirit of coexistence that defines Kaziranga.”
Abhijit Gogoi, Founder and Programme Head of WTRP (Walk-Trek-Run-Pedal), the organising body of the event, said, the idea behind the run is simple – to attract people to Kaziranga while ensuring that the National Park and its ecosystem are not disturbed or impacted in any way. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Kaziranga National Park authorities for their support and collaboration. He said, “Kaziranga offers experiences beyond its National Park – its natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and local culture deserve equal attention from a tourism perspective. The Kaziranga Rhino Run is a step towards showcasing that broader vision, combining fitness, awareness and sustainability. We aim to make this an annual event that connects people to nature and strengthens the message of conservation.”
The Kaziranga Rhino Run 2025 was originally scheduled for 21st September 2025 to commemorate World Rhino Day but was postponed to honour the untimely demise of Assam’s beloved singer Zubeen Garg, whose music and spirit continue to inspire millions. This run was organised by WTRP (Walk-Trek-Run-Pedal) in association with Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve, powered by Mind Over Miles and supported by Prerana and Vedanta.