The future of running

The program encourages fitness, confidence, social bonds and inclusion through sport – while helping to counter modern distractions that can limit physical activity and real-world connections.

Bangladesh’s RUNBANGLA International (RBI) received one of AIMS’s new three-year grants to deliver the series locally, making it the first country post-pandemic awarded such support. In 2025, RBI hosted the inaugural event in Dhaka, the nation’s capital.

For 2026 RBI partnered with Sherpur Runners to stage the AIMS Kids Series at Shahid Muktijoddha Smriti Stadium in Sherpur, a district on Bangladesh’s northern border with Meghalaya, India. The surrounding Garo Hills have long shaped indigenous communities. These groups maintain deep connections and strong communal bonds, which preserve an ancient facet of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.

Indigenous children in Sherpur grow up amid simplicity, closeness to nature, and resilience – playing in open fields, near rivers and forests, and often assisting with household or farm tasks in tight-knit villages. Yet they face substantial barriers: poverty, land insecurity, limited access to nutrition, healthcare and education, long walks to school, and early dropout to support families.

In this context, the 2026 event attracted hundreds of children aged 1–14 from 13 indigenous communities who competed joyfully in three categories: 100m, 500m and 1000m.

The atmosphere overflowed with emotion. At least 100 Madrasa children participated alongside their parents: their laughter and excitement created an unforgettable energy. Visually impaired children joined the same races, completing them with remarkable determination and embodying the series’ ethos that sport belongs to everyone, barriers notwithstanding.

To promote access, organizers arranged early-morning shuttle buses to transport children from remote villages (some nearly an hour away), accompanied by clan leaders and provided with light snacks. Around 100 children from two prominent Madrasas further diversified the field, while many parents attended, turning the stadium into a warm, collective family celebration.

These indigenous children – far less privileged than their urban peers – brought exceptional confidence and enthusiasm, making their participation profoundly meaningful. It perfectly reflected the AIMS Children’s Series values of access, dignity, opportunity, community as the foundation for a healthy, active future through movement.

RBI is deeply grateful to AIMS for enabling this initiative for Bangladesh’s children. We eagerly anticipate next year’s event in a new location, returning with the same spirit and even greater vibrancy to inspire, include and nurture the future generation of runners.