The first half marathon of the city, held at Surajkund here today, witnessed a huge response as thousands of individuals participated in the event inaugurated by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
Describing the event as an attempt to spread awareness regarding cleanliness, CM Khattar announced that it would be held every year in October — on the first Sunday of the said month.
He said the participation of a large number of people would motivate the masses to adopt a healthy lifestyle. The CM said a framework would be prepared to organise such events in other cities of the state as well.
Addressing the participants, he said the state government would also start a project ‘Haryana Gaurav’ in May to promote the youth to showcase their hidden talent in sports-related fields.
Asking the youth to take inspiration from the ‘Fit India Movement’, he said the drives related to raahgiri, cyclothons and marathon were important to create awareness regarding a stress-free environment among the masses.
Padma Bhushan awardee boxer Mary Kom and international shooter Manu Bhaker were among those present on the occasion. According to organisers, nearly 50,000 participated in the event.
The CM flagged off the events organised for various categories, including the half arathon, 5-km race, 10-km run and a marathon for differently-abled individuals. He also felicitated the winners at the conclusion of the event. Among the winners, Ravi Gulia bagged the first spot of Rs 1 lakh in the men’s category. Prashant Chaudhary claimed the second prize of Rs 75,000 while Ajay Kumar received Rs 50,000 for grabbing the third spot.
In the women’s category, Fulasa Chaltu of Ethiopia stood first in the half marathon, while Sonika and Munni Devi stood second and third, respectively. Abhishek stood first in the 10-km race while Pradeep and Ashwin clinched the second and third positions, respectively. Rima Patel clinched the first prize in the 10-km race under the women’s category.
Anil won the first prize in the special category while 90-year-old Shankari Devi was honoured at the event.
Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said the participation of a large number of people in the event would motivate masses to adopt a healthy lifestyle. He said a framework would be prepared to organise such events in state’s other cities as well
