Bongo Marathon: endorsing humanitarianism with each step

On the occasion of National Children’s Day and Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s 102nd birth anniversary, BRAC University Leadership Development Forum (BULDF) organised a mega fundraiser event dubbed ‘Bongo-Marathon’, campaigning to raise funds for impoverished children. The events took place on October 16th and 17th with activities ranging from cycling to full marathons, the forum catered to both online and offline participants. Based on their performances, Brac University presented the top two competitors with medals, while other participants received T-shirts, snacks, and a certificate.
The marathon portion of the event took place on both Mohakhali and Savar campuses. For the participants at Mohakhali, the route was BracU – Hatirjhil – BracU. The cycling event followed the same route and included the same amenities. Alongside, the safety and security of the participants were ensured by the Metropolitan Police Department. However, most of those who participated were from the Savar campus, where the route consisted of running a few laps on the Duronto field. The online marathon, which was made possible simply by signing up with an app called ‘Strava’, used a unique method to accommodate people from all over Bangladesh, not just BracU students.
The Forum’s decision to raise funds through the campaign was motivated by the disadvantaged youth, and for that, the registration fee was set aside exclusively. There were significant targets set for a large giveaway at any of Dhaka’s several children’s orphanages. The event drew a total of 106 people, and BULDF raised a whopping Tk 35,050. The proceeds went to ‘It’s Humanity Foundation’ for the development of destitute children. When questioned about conducting the event, Rifa Saimah Bente Rahman (Junior, BBS), a BULDF volunteer, stated that organising an offline event after a two-year hiatus offered everyone the opportunity to “create some amazing memories”.