TBT Report : Writer and adventurer Gazi Munsur Aziz has done a solo marathon (42.195 km) in memory of his late friend Sajal Khaled, who conquered Everest. This is his sixth solo marathon in Sajal memory. He did this marathon recently at Marine Drive in Cox’s Bazar. Earlier also, Sajal has done solo marathon on this route in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022. Marathon started at 5:41 AM from Tourist Motel Labani Beach. Then go to Inani Beach via Marine Drive via Daryanagar, Himchori, Rejukhal via Kalatali and from there again come in front of Motel Labani on the same route and complete the 42.195 km distance of the marathon in 3:25 minutes. Smartwatch Xtra Active S18 helped him to keep track of distance and time.

On the initiative of Sajal Khaled and organized by Bangla Mountaineering and Trekking Club (BMTC), the ‘Bangla Marathon’ competition was held for the first time on 1 July 2007 at Marine Drive. The main objective of Sajal was to inform the world about the beautiful of Cox’s Bazar and Marine Drive, the longest beach in the world, to increase the attractiveness of the country’s tourism industry and environmental awareness through an international marathon competition. For that purpose, in 2009 and 2010, marathons were held on this road under the initiative of Sajal and organized by extremist. Gazi Munsur Aziz participated in three marathons and completed them successfully. After conquering Everest in 2013, Sajal lost forever in the chest of Everest due to unknown reasons. After that there was no Bangla Marathon on Marine Drive.

Writer and adventurer Gazi Munsur Aziz said, “My aim is to attract local and foreign tourists through the Marine Drive Marathon, develop the country’s tourism industry and urge to protect the biodiversity of beaches and beachsides through environmental awareness.” Apart from this, I also want to call for naming Marine Drive after Sajal Khaled through this marathon.