‘Run Raise Respond North East’ half marathon to be held in Kohima today
Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 7
“Why is this crazy group of people led by a white guy running in our town?” is a question Nigel Eastwood wants every denizen of Nagaland to ask. A successful entrepreneur from the UK, Nigel is here in Nagaland to make a run for charity on September 8 starting from IG Stadium to New Secretariat, Kohima. He’ll be joined by local entrepreneurs, school children and various participants.
This event is part of the 4 half marathons (21kms) which is taking place in the four NE states of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Manipur in the 1st week of September. The proceeds of the run will go towards motivating and supporting local entrepreneurship in the region.
And not just to raise funds for charity, Nigel is keen to support and inspire Naga entrepreneurs. “You guys are inspirational,” he states and makes a beautiful comment: “This feeling of butterflies in your stomach is because this whole region is on a cusp of change.”
He also felt that the community of entrepreneurs in Nagaland has just got to grow. He states, “The Northeast is a critical area for growth, it is the gateway for Southeast Asia. This whole area is going to be a trade corridor. What we’re trying to tell folks through this run is- now is the time to start your business; you can create more wealth for yourself than working for other companies outside. Find your niche and start your own business.” He also encouraged, “Get into action now, because if local people do not seize the opportunity now, some big corporate brands will be here in Nagaland and wipe you all out.”
He added, “Hence, why we want to peak people’s interest through this marathon. We plan to rub shoulders with Naga entrepreneurs, get to know their needs and aspirations and hopefully contribute towards change.”
Nigel is accompanied by his wife Vijaya Eastwood, who has lived in Nagaland briefly. She commented: “I’ve lived and studied in Kohima and to me, even after having lived in so many places I’ve always felt Kohima to be home. One of the important things I want to highlight though this event is to show and tell people that Nagaland is a safe, beautiful place! No one wants to come here because they think it’s not safe to travel. I want to tell the rest of India and the world to come look!
She also adds, “I’ve heard people questioning why we are coming and asking local people to run for charity. I want to make the point that, it’s time for us to do it ourselves, why look for outside aid. So come and support us to help support you guys. Let’s get together and share ideas, and grow together is the idea of the run.”
Nigel concluded with this comment, “Running a marathon is a bit like running a business. It’s tough, just like how it’s a challenge to be an entrepreneur.” So, if you believe in a Nagaland with more opportunities, let’s get together and ‘Run, Kohima, Run!’
The run started in Guwahati (3rd September) followed by Shillong (6th September) followed by Kohima (8th September) and Imphal (10th September). Kohima, is the third leg of the charity half marathon. The RunRaiseRespondNorthEast Half-Marathon is supported by the Government of Nagaland through the Department of Information Technology & Communication.
Abhijit Sinha, Home Commissioner, Government of Nagaland will flag off the run at 7:30 am from the IG Stadium with certificates distributed at 9:30am. All funds raised will be donated to The North East Development Foundation (NEDF), a leading not-for-profit organisation in North-East India. Students will run from IG Stadium to High Court Junction, a 5Km run for non-professional runners and a 21K for sportsmen. Certificates and T-shirts or caps will be distributed to all participants.
The major proceeds from all the runs will be presented to the winning start-ups at the North East Start-up Festival being held by NEDF in November this year. The winning businesses at the Start-up Festival will receive a share of the funds raised and will be given free mentoring for 1 year by Nigel and the wider team.
