Haryana CM Flags Off 'Run For Zero Hunger' Gurugram Marathon
Chandigarh, February 26 (TNA) While flagging off the 'Run for Zero Hunger' Gurugram Marathon, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday remarked that the massive turnout for the Gurugram Marathon reflects the emerging brand image of the Millennium City and underscores the confidence in the future held by the young generation. Stressing the importance of a healthy body, he emphasized the significance of activities such as walking, running, and jogging. He highlighted the Gurugram Marathon as a tangible embodiment of a healthy lifestyle and noted its role in promoting this message across society.
Under the theme of "Run for Zero Hunger," the Gurugram Marathon saw the spirited participation of school and university students, youth, and elders alike. While engaging directly with thousands of runners participating in the Gurugram Marathon, the Chief Minister announced that henceforth, the Gurugram Marathon will be organized on the last Sunday of February every year. In addition, to sustain enthusiasm and awareness about this event among the people, small events will be organized every month.
During the inaugural edition of the Gurugram Marathon on Sunday morning, the Leisure Valley Ground located in Sector 29 of Gurugram buzzed with the energy and excitement of the runners. The enthusiasm of the thousands of participants gathered for this momentous event in the Millennium City, soared even higher with the arrival of the Chief Minister to flag off the marathon. Gurugram Marathon brand ambassador cricketer Shikhar Dhawan was also with him.
Addressing the media persons after the program, the Chief Minister said that after the successful organization of the Gurugram Marathon in Millennium City, a similar event is being organized in Faridabad on March 3. The Chief Minister emphasized Haryana's sporting heritage, stressing the importance of such events in fostering a healthy lifestyle. He underscored that these district-level events would also serve as a means to combat social ills.
In the men's full marathon category, Ajay Kumar of Uttar Pradesh clinched the first position, securing a prize of Rs 1.50 lakh, while Sikandar from Maharashtra, who secured second place, received a prize of Rs 1 lakh. Mikiyas of Ethiopia, securing third place in the same category, was honoured by the Chief Minister with a prize of Rs 75000.
Demonstrating his commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle and nurturing sports talent, CM Khattar personally boosted the spirits of runners at the marathon track. After flagging off participants in the 10 km marathon and 5 km fun run categories, the Chief Minister traversed the marathon route in an open jeep, actively encouraging the runners.
The Gurugram Marathon garnered international acclaim as runners from India and abroad took to the streets of Gurugram on February 25. Athletes hailing from various states across India and countries including Britain and Ethiopia showcased their prowess. Notably, the marathon route received certification from World Athletics and the Association of International Marathon and Distance Races (AIMS), elevating the Gurugram Marathon to the status of an international event.
Cultural performances enriched the marathon event, serving as a platform to propagate important messages. Haryanvi singer MD delivered a live performance advocating for a drug-free Haryana, amplifying the Chief Minister's anti-drug campaign. RJ Naved entertained the audience with his distinctive style, while various fitness groups presented live programs. During this, the Chief Minister was impressed by the Yoga team and announced to honour them with an award of Rs 1 lakh in the cultural program category.
Chief Minister honoured the runners who won in various categories with cash prizes of Rs 13 lakh. He bestowed honours upon various winners across the full, half, and 10-kilometre categories of the Gurugram Marathon by presenting them with the designated prizes. In the men's full marathon category, Ajay Kumar of Uttar Pradesh clinched the first position, securing a prize of Rs 1.50 lakh, while Sikandar from Maharashtra, who secured second place, received a prize of Rs 1 lakh. Mikiyas of Ethiopia, securing third place in the same category, was honoured by the Chief Minister with a prize of Rs 75000.
The women's category saw remarkable performances as well, with Kiran from Rohtak emerging as the winner in the full marathon, earning a prize of Rs 1.50 lakh. Bharti from Delhi and Manju Rani from Uttar Pradesh secured the second and third positions respectively in the same category.
In the half marathon category, Prashant, Ankit, and Abdhesh secured the first, second, and third positions respectively in the men's category, while Chaltu from Ethiopia, Sonika from Bhiwani, and Poonam from Maharashtra clinched the first, and second, and third positions respectively in the women's category. Prize money of Rs 1 lakh, 75000, and 50000 was awarded to the top three winners in this category.
In the 10 km category, Abhishek, Ravi, and Yash from Uttar Pradesh secured the first, second, and third positions respectively in the men's category, while Ruby, Reema, and Neha from Uttar Pradesh captured the first, second, and third positions respectively in the women's category. The Chief Minister presented prizes of Rs 50000, Rs 30000, and Rs 20000 to the winners in this category, congratulating them on their achievements.