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Shilong Will Host Rickshaw Run On Wednesday

BW Online Bureau Aug 03, 2015

The fun, the adventure, the flavours of the game and the amusive atmosphere will return to Shilong on Wednesday (5 August) as all sports lovers and participants from around the world gear up for the Rickshaw Run 2015. Organised by UK Company The League of Adventurists since 2006, the Rickshaw Run is the largest three-wheeler event on the planet. The city, Shilong has been the favourite place for the Rickshaw Run since 2011. The contestants will end their epic journey in Kochi on 20 August, in the deep south of the country. The teams have no set route, no back up along the way, and are on their own. Event Manager Matthew Dickens, said that 83 teams are prepping and pimping their rickshaws in anticipation of the grand show on Wednesday (5 August). The participants representing 23 countries shall be riding, rolling and wiggling their way across the subcontinent in their tinny steeds covering approximately 5000kms on their way to Kochi. What makes this journey even more memorable and noble is the fact that each team raises £1000 for charity - with at least half of this going towards the official rainforest preservation charity - Cool Earth. The League of Adventurists International, based in Bristol, are at the helm of many similar events around the world: "This event certainly has a lighter side, but the important message is clear... We plan to introduce our participants to the real India - this is not a typical package holiday. "When the teams are lost, stuck and all hope seems futile, Mother India and the heart-warming generosity of the Indian people shall envelope them in a fondness that many would not have encountered before. We also like to bring attention to the beauty of lesser travelled places such as Shillong and Kochi. Needless to say we're thrilled to be raising an awfully large amount of money for worthy charities across the nation too. The Rickshaw Run has now raised well over £2,000,000 (around $3.1 million) - which is a huge boost to the good work that these charities and our official charity Cool Earth are doing. In fact, each Rickshaw Run raises enough money for Cool Earth to save 150,000 trees in some of the most endangered rainforest in the world." Dickens added.  <table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;"><tbody><tr><td><img alt="" src="http://bw-image.s3.amazonaws.com/7371-lrg.jpg" style="width: 650px; height: 384px;"></td></tr></tbody></table> The Rickshaw Run has now been coming to Shillong for five years. Dickens goes on to say: "Meghalaya is a real gem in the North East. I hope many of our participants are able to travel to some of the more remote areas of the state, as the scenery is simply out of this world." Kochi is the birthplace of the Rickshaw Run and is therefore very dear to the event. With its charming and quaint streets it makes an ideal finish line, where the teams can relax - if they manage to complete the journey it that is. For many of the participants it will be many firsts - whether it's travelling to India, driving a rickshaw or just experiencing the enthusiasm and love that the people of this country are so famous for, said Dickens. The next few days as the teams pour into Shillong will no doubt be packed with energy, colour, noise, nerves and excitement. Let the merriment begin! The League of Adventurists International currently organises seven events worldwide including the Mongol Rally and the Mongol Derby which are the largest car rally in the world and the longest horse race in the world respectively. For more information please log onto their website. (BW Online Bureau)