Eco Park reverberated with the unmatched energy of young participants at the sixth edition of Kolkata Kiddathon in association with The Telegraph. While over 2,000 participants ran in different categories, around 5,000 enthusiasts marked their attendance, turning it into a super Sunday, on November 27. The fund-raising event that was inaugurated by Debashis Sen, chairman of HIDCO, was back after a two-year hiatus. The kids ran in a total of six categories named after superheroes like Batman, Catwoman, Ironman, Thor, Captain America and Hulk, covering various distances from 4km to 600mt. While the kids ran, their parents and grandparents raised their spirit. Various other attractions at the park like carnival zones, quizzes and others kept the kids happy.

“It was inspiring to see parents, families, schools, institutes and NGOs coming forward together to make this event successful. The excitement in the eyes of the participating kids and parents was unparalleled. We as Round Tablers feel blessed to be able to be a part of this event and bridge the latent need in the society, especially for our digitallygrowing kids, post pandemic,” said Rishabh Saraogi, co-run director for Kiddathon 2022. Shruti Doshi, chairperson, Calcutta Central Ladies Circle 27, organiser of Kiddathon 2022 added: “The highlight of the event was the Super Hero Show before every run. It gave all the kids a chance to come face to face with their favourite characters. All the Kiddathon team members have done a fabulous job with the event planning and execution. The parents who attended the event with their kids had an amazing time and are already looking forward to the next edition.”

Participants enjoyed the Zumba session before the start of the race.

(L-R) Rishabh Saraogi, co-run director 2022; Abhay Doshi, chariman of Calcutta South Round Table 17; Debashis Sen, chairman of HIDCO; Sumit Chand, Area 4 Round Table India; Manish Lakhotia, national president Round Table India and Shruti Doshi, chairperson Calcutta central Ladies circle 27, flagged off the race.

The second race of the day was The Catwoman Run and it saw over 350 kids take up the 2.5 km challenge. ‘Superheroes’ aged seven to 10-years old participated in the race.

Unleashing the ‘Batman’ inside them, over 300 kids in the age group of 10-16 participated in The Batman Race. The 4km run was the first race of the day and it set the mood.

Winning and losing is part of any run and the young runners finished the race with the spirit in mind.

Four-year-old Sia Nowlakha, one of the members of Club Wheels Enchantment, wowed everyone with her skating skills. She and her team glided on the 4km circuit before the race.

Pictures: B. Halder