The Decision to Run in Netrokona

Initially, I was hesitant to participate in a running event in Netrokona, a remote city 150 km from where I live. My reluctance stemmed from the distance and the absence of familiar faces among the participants. I had always run half marathons (21 km), and this event was a shorter 16 km race. Despite these concerns, my free time during a vacation from work and an upcoming big event next month swayed my decision. I thought it would be beneficial to stay in rhythm by joining the 16 km race.

Preparation and Journey to Netrokona

On the day before the event, I headed to Netrokona by bus, reaching around 10:00 p.m. After contacting an organizer for hotel recommendations, I settled into a surprisingly nice hotel for a city like Netrokona. That night, I explored the city, interacted with the friendly locals, and enjoyed a hearty meal in preparation for the next day’s race.

Race Day Experience

I woke up early on race day and had no trouble finding the starting point. The race began at 6 a.m., and soon, I was running through rural areas on a beautiful road. With only 150 participants, the event felt intimate, and I often found myself running alone. The rising sun and the wind rustling through the crops created a beautiful, serene environment. I completed the run in 1 hour and 43 minutes.

Post-Race Reflections and Return Journey The event concluded with a gathering in a local park. However, due to my schedule, I quickly ate and headed to the bus stand for my journey back to Dhaka. This experience in Netrokona was unexpectedly delightful and left me with fond memories and a sense of achievement.

Embracing New Challenges This journey to Netrokona for a shorter-distance race turned out to be a rewarding experience. It reminded me of the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new challenges. The serene environment, the joy of running, and the new connections I made enriched my passion for running and adventure.