International long-distance runners from India and South Africa have promised to promote runners from

Satish Gujran.

Prashant Acharya, EOI, Siliguri: International long-distance runners from India and South Africa have promised to promote runners from Sikkim and Darjeeling who are eyeing participation in world class events.

Derek Mahadoo from South Africa and Satish Gujran from Mumbai along with Roshni Rai, renowned woman marathoner from Pedong, will take part in a marathon scheduled on November 23. The run will start from Pedong and finish in Kalimpong and is being organised to promote the sport in the hills and attract new talent.

Roshni, who is based in Mumbai, informed over telephone that Derek and Satish are participants of the Comrades Marathon, the world’s biggest marathon, which is held in South Africa every year. The two renowned figures have gained popularity by their participation in several international marathons. They will meet marathoners from the hills and interact with them.

The duo will participate in the 30km run in the Darjeeling hills along with team ‘Run with Roshni’ for the first time. Seventeen other athletes from Sikkim, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Darjeeling will also take part in the run.

Derek with Roshni

Satish hold the record of being the fastest Indian to run the 89km Comrades Marathon in South Africa and has participated in the event four times, while Derek has run eight times. This is the latter’s maiden visit to India and he will be accompanied by his wife Shireen Derek. He has vouched to support deserving runners from the hills for participation in next year’s Comrades Marathon.

Premika Rai, the organiser of the Darjeeling event, said, “This will be a great opportunity for all of us to show our talent before such stars. The government and the local administration have never shown any interest in promoting us, and we are proud to hear that these two great personalities have come forward to help us.”