"Learn to run when feeling the pain: then push harder."
-William Sigei

10K FREEDOM RUN
JALDHAKA -KALIMPONG

Freedom Run is an annual 10km race organized by the Kalimpong District Police in collaboration with the Neora Valley Sustainable Ecological Society, T.I.E.E.D.I, Muhaan and supported by West Bengal Pollution Control Board .This unique event takes place at the Indo-Bhutan border of Jaldhaka, providing participants with stunning views of the Bhutan Hills and the picturesque Jaldhaka River.

More than a mere sports event, Freedom Run serves as a powerful platform for community engagement and empowerment. Through a collaborative effort with the Jaldhaka community, it showcases a remarkable display of circular economy principles.

In line with its commitment to sustainability, Freedom Run is a zero waste event. With the support of the community, traditional and natural alternatives are utilized, leaving no environmental footprint.

Mark your calendars!

The second edition of Freedom Run is scheduled for August 6, 2023. Join us, lace up your shoes, and embrace the spirit of freedom in this extraordinary event.

Welcome to Freedom Run, where community, nature, and sustainability converge.

Jaldhaka

The Jaldhaka valley derives its name from the powerful mountain river that runs through it. Known as the Jaldhaka River or Dichu, it is a trans-boundary river spanning India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, with a length of 233 kilometers. The river originates from Bitang Lake, also known as Kupup Lake, near the Jelep La pass in the Gangtok District of Sikkim. Notably, the area is home to the second oldest dam in India, the Jaldhaka Hydel Project, which is a joint collaboration between India and Bhutan. The dam is situated in Bindu, the last village of India. Additionally, Jholung Bazar serves as the primary market for the region and was historically a shared market between India and Bhutan.

Freedom from Drugs

"Run for freedom, run for a drug-free future"

In the scenic Kalimpong district, amidst lush green mountains and crystal clear rivers, a pressing issue threatens its beauty. Rising drug addiction among the youth poses a challenge to this paradise. Unemployment and lack of constructive engagement contribute to this problem, pushing young individuals towards the allure of drugs.

Freedom Run aims to provide healthier alternatives for the youth by promoting sports and fostering a sense of community. Our dedicated run carries a powerful message: we stand united against the evils of drugs. Through active participation in sports, we redirect their energy towards positive outlets and away from destructive substances.

Join us in safeguarding future generations from the clutches of drugs. Together, we can create a supportive environment that empowers our youth to make healthy choices and pursue fulfilling lives.

A community driven zero waste event

The Freedom Run is a community-driven, zero-waste event. We actively involve the local community in providing alternative solutions for organizing this remarkable event.

Through collaboration with local samajs, each assigned specific responsibilities, we ensure minimal waste generation. We source organic, locally produced food and engage community youths as zero-waste officers, promoting the practical implementation of zero-waste principles.

Our event is a positive inspiration, demonstrating that organizing large-scale zero-waste events is possible and achievable.

Join us in embracing a sustainable future and being part of the community-driven zero-waste movement at Freedom Run. Together, we can make a difference and set an example for others to follow.

Take the Zero Waste Pledge

I commit to the following:

I will minimize waste generation by avoiding single-use plastics and unnecessary packaging throughout the event.
I will prioritize reusable alternatives, such as bringing my own refillable water bottle and food containers.
I will properly dispose of any waste I generate by using the designated recycling and composting bins provided.
I will support local, organic, and sustainably sourced food options offered during the event.
I will actively engage in spreading awareness about the importance of zero-waste practices to fellow participants and encourage them to join our efforts.

By making this pledge, I join a community of individuals dedicated to creating a sustainable and zero-waste future. Together, we can make Freedom Run a resounding success while leaving a positive impact on our environment.

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TIEEDI is a pioneering environmental organization based in Darjeeling, dedicated to waste management in the Darjeeling hills using permaculture and zero waste principles. As a frontline warrior against climate change, TIEEDI strives to create a harmonious ecological ecosystem for people and the Earth. They offer experiential environmental education, regenerative tourism, natural farming, decentralized waste management, and sustainable land and building design consultation. TIEEDI empowers individuals, communities, and institutions with simple solutions to embrace a zero-waste lifestyle.

Established in 2021, the Neora Valley Sustainable Ecological Society is a grassroots NGO dedicated to raising awareness about the environment and promoting sustainable ecological balance in the neighboring villages of Neora Valley.

Driven by a group of dynamic thought leaders from the local communities, the society aims to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the forests' significance as a global biodiversity hotspot. They recognize the lack of exposure within their communities and actively engage at the grassroots level to foster local alternatives to pressing environmental challenges.

FREEDOM RUN 10K JALDHAKA -KALIMPONG

6TH AUG 2023

EVENT DETAILS

Run Surface: Road

Profile: Flat / Hilly

Route Measurement: Measured using GPS/Cycle

Settings: Mountain

Water Stations: Yes

Distance Markers: Yes

Traffic Free: Yes

Affiliation Status: Others

FREEDOM RUN DISTANCE

10K Run: 10.000 KM
Registration fee Rs. 350
10K Run for Police / Paramilitary and Army Staff: 10.000 KM
Registration fee Rs. 50

FREEDOM RUN AWARD

Cash prize of INR 20,000 for the top Male and Female runners in each age category.

Cash prize of INR 10,000 for top Male and Female Runners in the Police / Paramilitary / Army category.

15-18 yrs (Male, Female)
19-30 yrs (Male, Female)
31-50 yrs (Male, Female)
51 above (Male, Female)

Finisher medal.

An online downloadable certificate with timing.

FREEDOM RUN VENUE FACILITIES

Pre-run Zumba.

Post run stretches

ZeroWaste oath-taking

High protein refreshments

Supervised Bag Storage

Toilets

LAST DATE OF REGISTRATION

26th of July 2023

FOR QUERIES

Contact number: +91 94754 68779 / +91 7478820272

STAYS

Book your stay during the FREEDOM RUN 10K in the local homestays of Jaldhaka Region in association with Jaldhaka Offbeat Tourism Association at standard prices with homely food and a comfy bed.

TARIFF

SINGLE ROOM - INR 2000 PER PERSON

DOUBLE SHARING - INR 1000 PER PERSON

TRIPLE SHARING - 800 PER PERSON

DORMITORY - 400 PER PERSON

**These standardized prices for every homestay are only valid for the booking made for the 5th of August.

INCLUDES

WELCOME DRINK

DINNER (VEG / NON-VEG)

MORNING TEA

BREAKFAST

**Anything ordered besides the packages will charge extra.