Over 18,000, belonging to all age, brave chilly morning to take part in the marathon; 40 per cent women

Marathons to be linked to socially useful causes: Narendra Modi

 

Ahmedabad, Sunday: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off the 3rd Sabarmati-Ahmedabad Marathon here early morning. It is being organized first Sunday of every January.

Over 18,000 runners braved chilly weather to participate, including 600 in 42-km full marathon, 2,100 in 21-km half marathon and 16,000 in dream run. They belonged to all age groups, while 40 percent of them were women, besides 53 visually challenged. There were runners from different parts of the country and abroad, too.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Modi said that marathon first started in 1896 used to be an all-male affair and it remained so for about a. He complimented the runners. He said that marathon race is at present organized in four cities in the state and would be linked socially useful causes.

Reliance Group offered support to make a success of the marathon. Prominent among those present on the occasion included Ahmedabad Mayor Asit Vora, office-bearers and officials of Municipal Corporation and representatives of Reliance Group.