The future of running

AIMS provided a generous three-year sponsorship to RunBangla International (RBI), a local AIMS member race organiser, to create an event for children of all socio-economic backgrounds and abilities.

RBI worked closely with the community and received enormous support from the Mirpur Runners volunteers to create a festive day of running for children. The event was open to any child under age 13 willing to challenge themselves in one of three age-appropriate distances ranging from 100m to a kilometre. RBI worked with SOS Hermann Gmeiner College in Dhaka leasing a beautiful sports field for the event. Many local community and business supporters were involved for an afternoon filled with games and tasty treats for the children in addition to medals, shirts and finisher certificates. The event created memories for the children that will hopefully lead to lifelong enjoyment of the healthy lifestyle and the fitness benefits of the sport.

Under the management of Khandaker Rajib Hossain, RBI Chief Officer and AIMS Ambassador to Bangladesh, along with Race Director Obayedur Rahman the event was a complete success.

From the outset RBI was committed to outreach efforts to include as many girls and boys from underprivileged, marginalized and indigenous communities with a goal to make certain that all children be included.

With careful use of the budget afforded to RBI by AIMS, RBI, with support from Sherpur Runners, was able to create a second segment of the AIMS Children’s Series 2025 the following week on 26 February. At the Miriam Nagur Mission sports field located five hours north of Dhaka in Jhinaigati, a smaller but no less enthusiastic field of young runners sprinted off the start line.

“The future of running” is the AIMS slogan for the Children’s Series. That future was perfectly on display on two bright sunny days in Bangladesh this year, with anticipation expressed from all the children to return next year. RBI is already planning events for 2026.