GUWAHATI: The Coal India Guwahati Half Marathon was organized under the aegis of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army in close coordination with the Government of Assam and title sponsor Coal India Ltd., where thousands of runners from all across the country participated. It was conducted at Sarusajai Stadium on Sunday. The Half Marathon was aimed at uniting people across cultures and cities and adding Guwahati to the marathon map of India.
With the motto 'Amar Run, Amar Utsav', the event witnessed the participation of over a thousand participants in the categories of 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km in different age groups.
The route of the run was interspersed with cheering zones, dance troupes, and bands all along, thereby keeping the adrenaline of the runners pumping high. The determination and grit shown by the differently abled who participated in the 5-kilometre run further added to the spirit of the event. Over 800 women and girls participated in the event in various categories, which reflected Naari Shakti in its true sense.
More than 5000 runners participated in the event, with Nazeem Pulikkal adjudged as the winner in the half marathon male category with a timing of 01 hour, 10 minutes, and 09 seconds, and Phurba Tamang being adjudged as the winner in the female category with a timing of 01 hour, 35 minutes.
The event was graced by Nandita Garlosa, Sports & Youth Welfare Minister, Government of Assam, Lt Gen RP Kalita, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, Lt Gen Manish Erry, GOC 4 Corps, and many other senior civil and military dignitaries. Speaking on the occasion, the Sports Minister congratulated the participants and organisers for having come forward for the event. She expressed her gratitude to the Indian Army for taking this initiative and conducting an event of this magnitude in Guwahati, and she appreciated the strides made towards civil-military integration in Assam. The event concluded with a prize and medal distribution to the winners and participants. Running enthusiasts now await the next edition of the Guwahati Marathon, stated a press release.
Also Watch: