BUAC Run Fusion 2.0 turns Hatirjheel into the Upside Down
On the freezing morning of January 3rd, Hatirjheel Amphitheater came alive as Brac University Adventure Club (BUAC) hosted Run Fusion 2.0, a Stranger Things-themed running event that attracted participants from across the country. After a month of preparation and marketing by the BUAC team, the event drew over 700 participants, marking BUAC’s biggest run yet, featuring special guests Nishat Mazumder, the first Bangladeshi female conqueror of Everest; Professor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury (Pro-Vice-Chancellor, BracU); Dr. David Dowland (Registrar, BracU); and Dr. Nova Ahmed (Professor, North South University).
The event included two race categories, a 7.321 kilometre challenge run for participants aged 15 and above, and a 3 kilometre fun run open to all. Runners from different age groups gathered early, with families, children, and first-time participants adding to the lively atmosphere as the challenge run began at 6:30 a.m., followed by the fun run at 6:45 a.m. The event’s success was evident not only by the number of participants but also by the flooding positive reviews from runners regarding the organization of the marathon, including well-planned race-day amenities such as themed apparel, finisher medals, and post-race refreshments. Ahnaf Walinoor (Student, University of Wisconsin-Madison) shared his experience, “I had a lot of fun at the run. I thought I would do much worse than I actually did. I am quite pleased with my experience. I think I got my money’s worth.”
When it came to the organization of the event, Fatima Sajid Kamal (Senior, ENH), one of the primary organizers, explained how it has always been a dream for BUAC to host a marathon on a larger scale, following its initial start back in 2017 with only 100 participants and again in 2023, with 350 participants.
Building on the success of Run Fusion 2.0, BUAC shows no signs of slowing down. When asked if such events would be hosted again, Fatima enthusiastically answered that BUAC is eager to host more events like this in the future, with even more thorough and ambitious planning, and they are confident that they will be even more impactful and well-executed.
