Cyclothon 2023, in association with t2, was organised by the University of Engineering & Management Kolkata (UEM) on March 5 to commemorate International Women’s Day. This year, the fifth edition of UEM-IEM Cyclothon 2023 was held in collaboration with NKDA-Smart City and Cycle Network Grow. The marathon had around 400 cyclists from across the state participating under two categories, 20km and 10km races. Like with every edition, there was a theme for this year’s Cyclothon, too, which was women empowerment with the tagline, “Empower Women, Impart Strength”. Every participant completing their participating category received a medal from UEM.
“This year, Cyclothon was really for a fantastic cause, women empowerment. It felt amazing to be a part of this mega event. It is definitely fun to cycle with more than 500 participants from all parts of the city. I have been participating in this event for the last three years and I am proud to be a part of the UEM family,” said Amrit Raj (extreme left), who was a participant and completed the 10km category.
We caught up with this group before they set off at the Cyclothon. “It was not my first time but the experience was really good. Riding with so many people in a group felt awesome. Cycling is not only good for our health but it also helps us make new friends and socialise with new people,” said Zubin Bose (second from right).
Participants set off from the starting point of the race. Cyclothon 2023 not being a competition, all participants completing the race were rewarded with a medal
“We initiated Cyclothon as an event to promote cycling for health and the environment. Every year we keep a contemporary theme as well. Last year, it was a tribute to the Covid warriors. Next year, too, we will organise the event to raise awareness among the mass on a specific issue. It was not a competitive event and all those who finished the race received medals. A team of faculty members, students and alumni worked very hard to make the event successful. We have received all sorts of cooperation from NKDA and Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate as well,” said Satyajit Chakrabarti, chancellor, UEM Kolkata.