Ukhrul Runs for Nongin: The State Bird of Manipur

Ukhrul, May 18: As a prelude to the 5th edition of the Shirui Lily Festival 2025, the 7 Sisters Foundation, in collaboration with the Ukhrul Forest Division, successfully organised the “Run For Nongin” and the “Trash Marathon” at Ukhrul Headquarters on Saturday.

Nongin is the state bird of Manipur and is found in the hills of the Shirui Range and other parts of Manipur.

A total of 273 participants took part in the marathon race, covering a distance of 15 km from Phungreitang to Shirui Village. The marathon was flagged off at UBC Phungreitang at Ukhrul Headquarters by Gitla Laishram, DFO of Ukhrul, at 6:45 am. Simultaneously, Gitla Laishram also flagged off the Trash Race Marathon, covering a distance of 1.7 km, from Phungreitang to Bakshi Ground, Hungpung, Ukhrul.

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At the Run For Nongin, participants from Darjeeling, Kangpokpi, Imphal East, Nagaland, Thoubal, Bihar, Senapati, Tamenglong, and Jammu & Kashmir took part in the marathon race.

In the Run For Nongin, Wede Tmero (Jersey No. 066) from Phek District, Nagaland, won the first position. Jersey No. 153, Thotngacheirin Hunphun Luiyi of Ukhrul, and Jersey No. 155, Ringhorsem Muinao of Ukhrul, secured the second and third positions respectively.

Winner Wede Tmero took just 50 minutes to complete the marathon. It took 54 minutes for Thotngacheirin Hunphun Luiyi and 56 minutes for Ringhorsem Muinao to complete the race, respectively.

In the Trash Race Marathon, 116 candidates participated in the event. Grace A. Shatsang (Jersey No. 482) secured the first position by collecting 11 kilograms and 240 grams of trash. Minganing Angkang (Jersey No. 408) collected 9 kilograms and 450 grams, and Rinmiwon Makang (Jersey No. 504) collected 8 kilograms and 540 grams to secure the second and third positions respectively.

Speaking at the occasion, Gitla Laishram called for a collective effort in preserving and protecting Nongin – the state bird of Manipur. She also urged people to keep Ukhrul Town clean.

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Director of 7 Sisters Foundation, Hashokmi Kamkara, thanked the participants and called for a way to preserve and protect Nongin for future posterity.

The marathon also witnessed the attendance of Asish Das (IAS), Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, Duna Duo, SDO of Jessami, Roland Ningshen, SDO of Chingai, Thaimei Badan, ZEO of Ukhrul, among others.