A look back at the Haier Inspiring Bangladesh Independence Run 2024 Powered By DOUR
The Haier Inspiring Bangladesh Independence Run 2024 Powered By DOUR kicked off from Hatirjheel on 10 May 2024. FitNation, a community-driven platform advocating health and fitness, joined forces to ensure the success of the event.
Inspiring Bangladesh took a holistic approach to the marathon by incorporating two segments that involved 2,000 new runners, making it a truly memorable experience. The ‘Fun Run’ was a shorter race designed for participants of all abilities and was held alongside the main event. It covered a distance of 7.5 km and had a cut-off time of two hours. Additionally, Inspiring Bangladesh introduced specific age categories for younger runners in the ‘Family Run’ segment of the main event, allowing for age-appropriate competition and recognition for families.
The marathon aimed to inspire individuals through digital connectivity and utilised the FitNation online community, focusing on accessible education and healthcare that align with Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 4.
Imran Fahad, Founder and CEO of Inspiring Bangladesh, emphasised the importance of involving young people in outdoor activities to promote a healthier nation. The marathon aimed to inspire individuals through digital connectivity and utilised the FitNation online community, focusing on accessible education and healthcare that align with Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 4. Participants had the option to join the marathon virtually, in addition to the 7.5 km and 1 km live segments. Fahad highlighted the convenience of participation by allowing reports to be submitted from smartwatches or mobile devices, bridging the gap between physical and virtual engagement.
With this marathon, Inspiring Bangladesh successfully reached 1.5 million people through social media. Additionally, they hosted live podcasts that focused on youth and created awareness about good health and well-being. To ensure accessibility for everyone, they also enabled registration through Shohoz.com. By strategically employing these digital tools and techniques, they reached a broad audience, engaging participants more effectively and creating a buzz that drove registrations and overall enthusiasm for the event.
A Kit Expo was held at InterContinental Dhaka on 7 and 8 May, providing runners with essential resources. All participants received free access to various health check-ups from Global HealthCare Center and United Hospital Ltd. They also had the opportunity to explore different activewear from DOUR, the premium sports activewear brand of Bangladesh. By effectively promoting the Kit Expo and highlighting its advantages, Inspiring Bangladesh ensured a successful marathon that added significant value for both runners and sponsors. This created a positive and engaging atmosphere that supported the overall objectives of the event.
To ensure the safety and well-being of all runners, especially in the hot climate of Dhaka in May, Inspiring Bangladesh implemented several important measures. They set up 12 hydration booths with electrolyte beverages such as Recharge Electrolyte Beverage, GO+, and Dabur Glucose. Additionally, they stationed a Polar Ice Cream station along the race track, as well as an ambulance and medical support from United Hospital Ltd. All registered runners underwent a health checkup at the Global HealthCare Center on the day of the race. Furthermore, volunteers from Medicine Club Bangladesh were present to ensure the safety of all participants.
Inspiring Bangladesh partnered with Garbageman and Unilever Pureit for the purpose of waste reduction and recycling at the marathon. With the support of all their volunteers, they successfully cleaned the entirety of Hatirjheel in a short period of time. To encourage proper disposal of recyclable materials, they set up recycling bins at key locations along the race course, at hydration booths, and in the finish area. Additionally, they implemented zero waste stations with clear signage to guide participants in sorting their waste correctly. By incorporating these sustainable practices, Inspiring Bangladesh significantly reduced the environmental footprint of the marathon, promoted eco-friendly behaviours, and set a positive example for other large-scale events.
Inspiring Bangladesh collaborated with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to organise the Haier Inspiring Bangladesh Independence Run 2024 Powered By DOUR. The event received support from various esteemed organisations such as the World Sports Alliance, Shohoz.com, Global HealthCare Center, Pakelo Lubricants Bangladesh, Total Tools Bangladesh, Eternal Ceramics, United Hospital Ltd, Polar Ice Cream, Recharge Electrolyte Beverage, and InterContinental Dhaka. Additionally, Mr Noodles, Nutri+, All Time, Unilever Pureit, Dabur Glucose, Shokti+, Nestle Gold Corn Flakes, DanCake, Sunquick, PUSTI, ND Active Wear, Garbageman, ASUS, UMAAB, Sports Gear Bangladesh, Upsight Bangladesh, and South Dhaka Cyclist joined as sponsors and partners. After the resounding success of the Independence Run, Inspiring Bangladesh is organising the Family Run at Hatirjheel on 4 October 2024.