“Run for dreams, not drugs”: Gunchu Marathon unites Manipur’s youth in Kangpokpi

The Gunchu Institute successfully organized the Marathon Race 2025 in Kangpokpi on Saturday, October 25 under the powerful theme “Don’t Let Drugs Take Away Your Dreams.”

The event, held in collaboration with the Kangpokpi District Police, Kangpokpi Youth Union (KYU), KSO Sadar Hills, HinTwi, Oracle, and Selnou Gym, witnessed enthusiastic participation from youth across multiple districts. The marathon served a dual purpose — promoting physical fitness and raising awareness about the devastating impact of drug abuse, a growing concern among Manipur’s younger generation.

The race kicked off at dawn with the boys’ 7 km run starting from Keithelmanbi Military Colony Ground to Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi, while the girls’ 5 km run began from Kalapahar to the same destination.
SDPO Kangpokpi Lhunminlal Khongsai, MPS flagged off the boys’ marathon, while Inspector H. Kipgen, OC Kangpokpi, flagged off the girls’ race amid loud cheers and encouraging slogans for a drug-free society.

In a gripping finish, Lungtiplung Phaomei from Noney District Headquarter emerged as the winner in the Boys’ Category, followed by Sujal Subedi from Charhajare, Kangpokpi District as 1st Runner-Up, and Thaorilung Panmei from Noney as 2nd Runner-Up.


In the Girls’ Category, Phalhoineng Kipgen from H. Jangmunnom Village, Kangpokpi secured the first position, while Themnunkim Lhouvum from Keithelmanbi Military Colony and Lamchunngai Kipgen from Lower Khengjang Village bagged the 1st and 2nd Runner-Up titles respectively.

Winners were awarded cash prizes of ₹5,000, ₹3,000, and ₹2,000 respectively, along with certificates, while participants finishing between fourth and tenth places also received certificates for their spirited participation.

Speaking at the event, Boilen Chongloi, Chaplain of Gunchu Coaching Institute, emphasized that the marathon was not merely a competition but a movement of transformation — encouraging youth to channel their energy toward ambition, discipline, and a drug-free future.


He highlighted that the collaboration between law enforcement agencies, youth unions, and civil society organizations reflected the collective resolve of the community to combat the drug menace through constructive engagement and awareness.

The successful conclusion of Marathon 2025 underscored Gunchu Institute’s ongoing commitment to shaping and inspiring young minds, proving yet again that sports can serve as a powerful tool for social change and awareness.