Chief Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi flagged off Vadodara Marathon- 2009 at Navalakhi Ground Vadodara today. He also made an important announcement, ‘Vadodara-city would soon have the national level Indoor & Outdoor Stadiums'.

With an intention to promote civic sense in citizens, Vadodara Traffic Education Trust had organised Marathon-2009. Nearly 30 thousand participants took part in the Marathon. The Navalakhi-Ground was jam-packed to savor glimpse and glory of the event.

Chief Minister sought to illuminate Gujarat's rapid development strides in all sectors. Gujarat is always two-steps ahead in the development-Marathon. He expressed his confident that ‘Vadodara Marathon ‘would usher in to the Speed-Capital of India's growth and prosperity.

He also sought to light the fire of passion in the hearts of
Vadodaraites by inspiring them to actively participate in the State's journey of development. He reiterated his confidence that youth and citizens of Vadodara would assume leadership role in realizing the vision of Swarnim Gujarat.

Chief Minister noted it with satisfaction that Organisers of Marathon-2009 deserves compliments for encouraging the noble cause. Tracing emotional connect with the city , Director of Vadodara marathon- Tejal Amin claimed that the contributions from citizens would prove worthy to the task in upgrading public amenities.

Chairman Bank of Baroda, Shri M.D.Malya had shown his keenness to contribute to the development of Vadodara. It is to be noted that Vadodara being the founder city of the internationally acclaimed banking institution “Bank of Baroda”.

Chief Minister along with Flying Sikh Milkhasingh, legendary cricketer Kapildev, Member of Parliament and Mayor of city Shri Balkrushna Shukala, contemporary cricketers Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan also joined in the flagging off ceremony.

Parliamentary Secretary Shri Yogesh Patel, MLAs Shri Bhupendra Lakhavala, Shri. Jitubhai Sukhadiya, Rajya Sabha M.P. Bharatsinh Parmar, Deputy Mayor Punamben Panchal, Leader of Opposition in the Corporation Shri Chirag Zaveri, famous actors Shri Paresh Raval- Swarup Sampat- Vaishali Thakkar- Manav Gohil, Corporators, and eminent leaders were among the others who attended the ceremony. Commissioner of police Shri Rakesh Asthana, Collector Vijay Nehra was also present on the occasion. Vadodara Marathon sought to contribute Rs. 1 Lakh in to the ‘Kanya Kelavani Nidhi'.

Vadodara police had set an example of ideal traffic management by ensuring smooth running of marathon.