Nagpur Unity Marathon Sees Over 10,000 Participants
A vibrant celebration of endurance and unity unfolded in Nagpur as over 10,000 runners took part in the Unity Marathon, honoring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Ethiopian athlete Tsehay Aohava won the women's 21km race.
Nagpur's Rajan Yadav claimed victory in the men's 21km category.
The event featured over Rs 11 lakh in prizes and drew participants from multiple states.
On Saturday, Nagpur hosted the Unity Marathon, attracting more than 10,000 runners in a vibrant celebration of endurance and national unity, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The marathon, organized by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), began at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ground in Lakadganj, featuring participants from various states including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Delhi, along with international competitors.
In the men's 21km race, local athlete Rajan Yadav emerged victorious, completing the course in 1:01:58, ahead of Uttar Pradesh's Satish Kumar Verma and Rajasthan's Mukesh Bhanu, who finished with times of 1:02:24 and 1:03:05, respectively. In the women's category, Tsehay Aohava from Ethiopia won with a time of 1:15:02, followed closely by Nagpur's Yamini Thakre and Ratnagiri's Sakshi, who clocked in at 1:16:18 and 1:17:42.
Among the highlights of the event was 84-year-old Shripad Burde, who completed the race, earning applause from both dignitaries and fellow runners. The marathon also featured a fancy dress competition for children, showcasing historical and religious figures, adding a festive touch to the proceedings. Local athletes excelled in various short-distance races, with Gaurav Khodtkar winning the men's 10km in 29:20, and Mitali Bhoyar taking the top spot in the women's 5.3km category.
The marathon offered a total prize pool of Rs 11 lakh across different categories, with Dhanashree Dabhade winning an electric scooter in a lucky draw. The event was attended by notable figures including Minister of State Pankaj Bhoyar, MLA Krishna Khopde, and Mayor Neeta Thakre, who emphasized the importance of sporting initiatives in promoting healthier lifestyles and national integration.
The atmosphere was further enlivened by Zumba warm-up sessions, musical performances, and patriotic slogans, transforming the marathon into a celebration of fitness and community spirit, resonating with Patel's message of unity throughout society.
