In Memory of Sajal: Aziz Completes His Seventh Solo Marathon

Writer, journalist, and adventurer Gazi Munsur Aziz has completed his seventh solo marathon in memory of his late friend, Everest summiteer Sajal Khaled. The 42.195 km marathon took place, 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 to reach near Inani Beach. He then returned via the same route and completed the marathon at 3:29 p.m. in front of Motel Laboni.

For the first time, this year’s marathon was supported by US-Bangla Airlines, Shukher Khamar, Inani Royal Resort, and Hotel Suite Sadaf, with overall assistance from DONA Media. Previously, Aziz ran solo marathons along the same route in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023, all in Sajal’s memory.

The first “Bangla Marathon” on the Marine Drive was held on July 1, 2007, organized by Bangla Mountaineering and Trekking Club (BMTC), planned by ornithologist and adventurer Enam Ul Haque, and initiated by Sajal Khaled. Sajal’s goal was to promote Cox’s Bazar—the world’s longest sea beach—and the beauty of Marine Drive through an international marathon, thereby boosting tourism and environmental awareness in Bangladesh.

Under his initiative and the organization Extremist, the marathon was again held in 2009 and 2010, with Gazi Munsur Aziz successfully completing all three events.

On May 20, 2013, Sajal Khaled summited Mount Everest but went missing on his descent, disappearing forever into the heart of the mountain. Since then, no further Bangla Marathons have been organized on Marine Drive.

Gazi Munsur Aziz said, “I’m deeply grateful to all the partners who supported this year’s marathon. My goal is to attract both local and foreign tourists through this event and to raise awareness about preserving the biodiversity of the beaches and coastal ecosystems. I also urge that the Marine Drive be named after Sajal Khaled.”

Kamrul Islam, General Manager (PR) of US-Bangla Airlines, remarked: “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.”

Sazzad Karim Tinku, Managing Director of Hotel Suite Sadaf and Inani Royal Resort, added:
“It feels wonderful to be involved in such an inspiring initiative.”

Beyond the marathon, Gazi Munsur Aziz also completed an Everest Base Camp expedition 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. this year.

A member of both the Bangla Mountaineering and Trekking Club (BMTC) and the Bangladesh Bird Club, Aziz has authored several travel books, including “Pakhir Khoje Banglajure”, published at the last Ekushey Book Fair. He regularly participates in marathons, cycling expeditions, and other adventures, and actively promotes environmental awareness through tree planting and various community activities.