Writer, journalist, and adventurer Gazi Munsur Aziz has successfully completed his seventh solo marathon in memory of his late friend, Everest summiteer Sajal Khaled. The 42.195 km run took place today, October 24, along the Cox’s Bazar Marine Drive.
Aziz began his run at 5:54 a.m. from Motel Laboni on Laboni Beach, passing through Kolatoli, Dariyanagar, Himchari, and Rejukhal, reaching near Inani Beach. He then returned via the same route and finished the marathon at 3:29 p.m., concluding in front of Motel Laboni.
For the first time, this year’s marathon received direct support from US-Bangla Airlines, Shukher Khamar, Inani Royal Resort, and Hotel Suite Sadaf, with overall coordination and assistance from DONA Media.
Previously, Aziz ran solo marathons along the same Marine Drive route in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023—each time dedicated to the memory of his beloved friend Sajal Khaled.
The very first “Bangla Marathon” on Marine Drive was held on July 1, 2007, organized by the Bangla Mountaineering and Trekking Club (BMTC), conceptualized by ornithologist and adventurer Enam Ul Haque, and initiated by Sajal Khaled himself. Sajal’s vision was to promote Cox’s Bazar, the world’s longest sea beach, through an international-standard marathon, thereby enhancing tourism and raising environmental awareness in Bangladesh.
Under his leadership and the organization Extremist, the marathon was held again in 2009 and 2010, with Gazi Munsur Aziz successfully completing all three of those early events.
On May 20, 2013, Sajal Khaled summited Mount Everest, but tragically went missing during his descent, disappearing forever into the heart of the mountain. Since his passing, no official Bangla Marathons have been organized on Marine Drive—only Aziz’s solo tributes have kept the dream alive.
Reflecting on this year’s event, Gazi Munsur Aziz said:
“I’m deeply grateful to all the partners who supported this marathon. My goal is to attract both local and foreign tourists through this initiative and to raise awareness about preserving the biodiversity of our beaches and coastal ecosystems. I also urge that the Marine Drive be named after Sajal Khaled.”
General Manager (PR) of US-Bangla Airlines Kamrul Islam said:
“We are honored to be part of such a meaningful event. It’s not just a marathon—it’s a rare testament to friendship and love.”
Managing Director of Hotel Suite Sadaf and Inani Royal Resort Sazzad Karim Tinku added:
“It feels wonderful to be involved in such an inspiring initiative.”
Beyond marathons, Gazi Munsur Aziz also completed an Everest Base Camp expedition earlier this year in memory of Sajal Khaled, carrying the slogan: “No War, We Want Peace — Let’s Build a Green World.”
He reached the Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) on June 13 at 2:45 p.m.
A member of both the Bangla Mountaineering and Trekking Club (BMTC) and the Bangladesh Bird Club, Aziz is the author of several travel books, including “Pakhir Khoje Banglajure”, published at the last Ekushey Book Fair. He regularly participates in marathons, cycling expeditions, and other adventurous pursuits, while also promoting environmental awareness through tree planting and various community activities.
