The curtain raiser of the week-long INNOU 1.0 Festival, organised by the students of JCRE Global College, Babupara, was held with a 10-km marathon race in Imphal today.
The marathon was flagged off by Maharabam Pradeep Singh, IPS, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), at 5:30 am from Tidim Ground, Imphal. The runners proceeded up to Malom Bazar before making a U-turn and returning to the starting point.
A total of 460 athletes, comprising both men and women, participated in the event.
In the men’s category, Mukta Mutum secured the first position, followed by Yumnam Punshiba in second place and Gurumayum Gulson in third.
In the women’s category, Thongbam Sophiya emerged as the winner, while Thangjam Nigita and Yumnam Stervina finished second and third respectively.
The INNOU 1.0 Festival will feature a variety of information technology and entertainment-based competitions, including code debugging, typing contests, K-pop performances, cosplay events and other activities aimed at encouraging creativity, innovation and student engagement.
The festival will culminate on June 13, 2026, at the MSFDS Auditorium. Retired IAS officer Dr. R.K. Nimai will attend the closing function as the chief guest. Prof. Ch. Ibohal Meitei of Manipur Institute of Management Studies, Manipur University, and Kisorjit Nongmeikapam, Registrar of Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Manipur, will be the guests of honour.
Lairenjam Niranjan Singh, Director and Chief Executive Officer of JCRE Group of Companies, will preside over the concluding function.