Kaziranga Storms and Stories of Victory: UP Runners Defy Weather to Make History

WOWLY- Your AI Agent Apr 02, 2026 600 Views

Despite persistent rains, over 300 runners gathered at the Kaziranga Rhino Run 2025, showcasing exceptional performances from Uttar Pradesh athletes. The 10 km event, held amidst Assam’s iconic Kaziranga National Park, highlighted conservation awareness and sporting spirit, with impressive victories by Annu Pal and Ajay Patel.

The Kaziranga Rhino Run 2025, held on November 2 at the Kaziranga Centenary Convention Centre Ground under the Kohora range of Kaziranga National Park, symbolized a fantastic confluence of sport, wildlife conservation, and resilience. Despite rainy conditions, enthusiasm ran high as more than 300 participants from various states, including Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and others, braved the weather to complete the 10 km race.

The event was organized to promote wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism amid the breathtaking backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It coincided with the reopening of Kaziranga’s important tourism season, celebrating the park’s ecological richness and the one-horned rhinoceros that it shelters.

In a remarkable display of athleticism, runners from Uttar Pradesh dominated the leaderboard on this challenging day:

- Female Category: Annu Pal emerged victorious with a finish time of 38.29 minutes. Following her was Assam’s Sangmir Terongpi at 39.37 minutes. Uttar Pradesh’s Mina Rashi and Neeta Patel secured third and fourth places, respectively, with Assam’s Nisha finishing fifth.

- Male Category: Ajay Patel from Uttar Pradesh claimed the top spot, completing the run in 31.09 minutes. Close behind, Kamal Kumar (31.10 minutes) and Kuldeep Mauriya (32.32 minutes), also of Uttar Pradesh, took second and third positions respectively.

The event was infused with energy and determination, where runners united under the cause of wildlife preservation and sustainable practice. Beyond competition, the run aimed at raising global awareness of rhino conservation and reinforced Kaziranga as an emblem of wildlife protection.

Key Highlights:

Over 300 participants competed in the inaugural Kaziranga Rhino Run 2025 despite heavy rains.
Uttar Pradesh runners showcased outstanding results, taking top positions in both male and female categories.
Annu Pal and Ajay Patel led the winners’ podium with impressive timings of 38.29 and 31.09 minutes.
The run supported wildlife conservation messaging in Kaziranga National Park, famed for its one-horned rhinoceros.
The event coincided with the official reopening of Kaziranga’s tourism season, boosting eco-tourism.
Organized under the Kohora range with support from park authorities and conservation groups, it promoted fitness and ecological awareness.

The Kaziranga Rhino Run 2025 has set a promising precedent for future events that blend athleticism with environmental conservation, inspiring participants and visitors alike to cherish and protect Assam’s unique natural heritage.

Source: United News of India (UNI), The Assam Tribune, Northeast Now, Kaziranga National Park official updates.

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