"CM flags off Vadodara marathon"
"41000 runners participate in 14 different groups"

Chief Minister Narendra Modi flagged off Vadodara marathon today. Around 41,000 runners in 14 different groups, including international runners, tookpart in the race.

The Indian contestants for the approachingLondonmarathonwillbe selectedfromthe runners of this race.

Speaking on theoccasionChiefMinistersaidthat when people in such ahugenumberrun together, it gives a feel of collectivestrengthandassuranceof progress. The running symbolizes a swiftmarchon the path of progress. With the collective strength,Gujaratwilltake a frontpositionin thetimeofglobalcompetition.

“Winning or losing isinsignificantin the events like marathon. What isimportantis evoking the collectivestrengthof the people”, he said.

Recalling that thecurrentyearis the 150th birthanniversaryof Swami Vivekananda and Sayajirav Gaikwad IIIChiefMinisteroutlined the state’splanfor celebrating this year as ‘Yuva Shakti Varsh’. He also gave outline of Khel Mahakumbh which is being participated by thousands of youth.

Congratulating the Vadodara city for the organization of marathonChiefMinistersaidthe city hasearnedproud forGujaratby getting a place on the world marathon map.

MinisterofStateforTourismJitu Sukhadiya,ParliamentarySecretaryYogesh Patel,MayorDr. Jyoti Pandya, MP Balkrishna Shukla, MLA Bhupendra Lakhawala, Yuvraj Samarjitsinh Gaikwad andgovernmentofficials werepresenton the occasion.

Organizers of theracedonated Rs.1,11,111toChiefMinister’s Kanya Kelavani Nidhi.