The rush of running in rural Bangladesh

Northern Half Marathon
Fri 26 September 2025

On September 26, 2025, the serene landscapes of Saidpur echoed with the sound of footsteps as the Northern Half Marathon took place. This event goes beyond competition; it's a celebration of running, deeply rooted in the mission to spread the love of this exhilarating sport throughout rural villages and remote areas of Bangladesh.

Nestled in Parbatipur Upazila, approximately 350 km from Dhaka, the marathon showcased the beauty of North Bengal.

As the first AIMS member and World Athletics certified event to grace the northern regions of Bangladesh, the marathon exceeded all expectations. All 975 slots across four categories filled up in just five hours! To ensure inclusivity, particularly among rural participants, the registration fee was set at an accessible $7–9. Special accommodations were made for schoolchildren and underprivileged local women, making the event a true community triumph.

The excitement began before race day with a vibrant kit expo, packed with engaging visual presentations and discussions. Expert speakers shared invaluable insights on various topics: from running tips and injury prevention strategies to advice on selecting the best running shoes. Mr. Imtiaz Ilahi, renowned for his Ironman journey, inspired many with his path to success. Other sessions addressed the unique challenges faced by female runners, and the race director detailed the course to ensure all participants felt prepared and informed.

To rekindle the competitive spirit, podium spots were awarded in age categories for both men and women in the half marathon and 10K events. The highlight was Mr. Md Sazzad Hossain’s incredible victory in the half marathon with a time of 1:22:57, while Md Maruf Hossain claimed the 10K championship in an impressive 39:34.

Northern Half aspired to meet international standards, and they did so successfully, with 353 runners completing the half marathon and many others participating in the 10K and 5K. A delightful 1K run for kids engaged local youth in the joy of running and raised awareness about health; with 80 children taking part, many experienced the thrill of a race for the very first time. The villagers poured out of their homes, cheering, clapping, and showering the runners with flowers, creating an atmosphere of unity and encouragement.

The initiative was proudly organized by the Saidpur Runners, a group passionate about nurturing the running culture in Bangladeshi villages. Coordinating an event of this scale in a rural setting presented unique challenges—from logistics to chip timing—but every effort was worth it!

A heartfelt thank you to AIMS for believing in this dream and granting certification and recognition. With the Northern Half Marathon, we’ve not just fostered an event but built a new standard of quality and trust in running festivals. Now, it’s time to carry the spirit of this success forward and continue to spread the love for running!