Ukhrul runs for Nongin - The State bird of Manipur
Source: The Sangai Express / DIO

Ukhrul, May 18 2025: As a prelude to the 5th edition of Shirui Lily Festival 2025, the 7 Sisters Foundation in collaboration with the Manipur Forest Department and the Manipur Olympic Association organised "Run for Nongin" and "Trash Race" on Saturday at Ukhrul headquarter.

The marathon was flagged off by the District Forest Officer (DFO), Ukhrul, Gitla Laishram (MFS) from Forest Division Office, Phungreitang in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Ukhrul, Ashish Das, DFO Senapati, Shanngam Shali, MOA representative L Robert Meitei, and President of 7 Sisters Foundation, Sunny Shimray.

A total of 273 participants from Darjeeling, Kangpokpi, Imphal East, Nagaland, Thoubal, Bihar, Senapati, Tamenglong and Jammu & Kashmir took part in the marathon race covering a distance of 11km from Phungreitang to Shirui Village.

Meanwhile, a total of 116 runners participated in the trash race covering a distance of 1.3 km, from Phungreitang to Bakshi Ground in Hungpung, Ukhrul.

Wede Tmero from Phek District, Nagaland won the first position in the marathon while Thotngacheirin Hunphun Luiyi and Ringhorsem Muinao of Ukhrul secured the second and third position respectively.

In the trash race, Grace A Shatsang secured the first position by collecting 11, 24 kilograms of trash while Minganing Angkang collected 9.45 kilograms and Rinmiwon Makang collected 8.54 kilograms, securing second and third position respectively.

Speaking at the event, the DFO of Ukhrul called for a collective effort in preserving and protecting Nongin - the State bird of Manipur.

She also called for keeping the Ukhrul town clean by reducing the use of single-use plastics.

She further added that it is the responsibility of all to safeguard the State bird and Shirui Lily, the State bird and flower, which are the pride of Manipur.

The event was also attended by SDO of Jesami, Duno Duo, SDO of Chingai, Roland Ningshen, ZEO of Ukhrul, Thaimei Badan along with DLOs under district administration.

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