Kaziranga: A rainy morning could not dampen the energy of over 300 runners who assembled amid the lush wilderness of Kaziranga National Park for the first-ever Kaziranga Rhino Run 2025, celebrating conservation, fitness, and sustainability. The event, held at the Mihimukh Gate of the park’s Central Range, turned into a vibrant display of enthusiasm and commitment to protecting Assam’s iconic Greater One-Horned Rhino.
Flagged off at 6:00 AM by Dr. Bibhuti Ranjan Gogoi, Ranger of Kaziranga National Park, and Bathu Khungur Boro, Deputy Director of Assam Tourism, the run was attended by dignitaries including Ministers Chandra Mohan Patowary, Atul Bora, Keshab Mahanta, and MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa.
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In the 10 km race, Ajay Patel from Uttar Pradesh topped the men’s category with a timing of 31.09 minutes, while Annu Pal, also from Uttar Pradesh, led the women’s category at 38.29 minutes. Runners from Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh added a national flavour to the event. A total prize pool of ₹1 lakh was shared equally among male and female winners, alongside trophies, medals, and certificates.
Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga, called the event “a celebration of Assam’s conservation success and the spirit of coexistence.” Abhijit Gogoi, Founder of WTRP (Walk-Trek-Run-Pedal), the organiser, said the initiative aims to blend fitness, tourism, and environmental awareness.
Originally planned for World Rhino Day on September 21, the run was postponed to honour the late singer Zubeen Garg, whose legacy continues to inspire the people of Assam.
