A half-marathon dedicated to newly elected President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was held in Thakurgaon on Friday, with 270 runners from 32 districts taking part.

Organised by Thakurgaon Runners under the theme “Victory of health, harmony and friendship”, the Thakurgaon Half Marathon 2026 began at 5:30am on the premises of Abdur Rashid Degree College in the district town. M/S Gardenia provided overall supervision of the event.

Runners gathered at the college premises before dawn. Some took part to test their abilities, while others joined to promote a healthy lifestyle or meet and build friendships with people from different parts of the country.

Organisers said the main objectives of the event were to encourage young people to participate in sports, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen friendship and harmony among people from different parts of the country.

They also aimed to showcase Thakurgaon as the district associated with the President.

Noor-e-Shahadat Swajan, chief patron of Thakurgaon Runners and proprietor of M/S Gardenia, said they wanted to bring people together through running.

“People from different parts of the country came to Thakurgaon, ran together and explored its history and heritage. This will increase health awareness and help spread the name of Thakurgaon across the country,” he said.

He said Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had been associated with sports and had a keen interest in them, adding that the half-marathon was dedicated to him as a mark of respect.

The visiting runners were also taken to various historical and tourist attractions in Thakurgaon as part of the event.

Dr Mohammad Shahid-Uz-Zaman, founder and executive director of Eco-Social Development Organisation (ESDO), attended the event as the chief guest and also participated in the marathon.

He said such programmes were particularly important for inspiring young people.

“There is no alternative to sports for keeping young people away from drugs and anti-social activities and maintaining physical and mental wellbeing,” he said.

Following the race, prizes were handed to the participants by Dr Mohammad Shahid-Uz-Zaman, Noor-e-Shahadat Swajan and Thakurgaon sports organiser Faruk Hossain Julu. Thakurgaon Press Club General Secretary Tanvir Tanu and journalists from print and electronic media were also present.

The official kit expo for the half-marathon was held at Thakurgaon Municipal Community Centre on Thursday evening, with District BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin attending as the chief guest.

The Thakurgaon Half Marathon 2026 concluded around 10am on Friday with the prize-giving ceremony.