Uddhav Thackeray inaugurates 'Spring Marathon'

Thane, July 22 (UNI) Shiv Sena Executive president Uddhav Thackeray today inaugurated the Mayor's 'Spring Marathon', with participation by over 40,000 people of all ages at the Corporation square here.

The mega event, organised by the city Mayor Sharada Raut, had a festive atmosphere with saffron flags at all vantage points across the city.

Incidentally, the event coincides with the birthday of the Sena leader, who was accompanied by former speaker of Lok Sabha Manohar Joshi.

Mayor Raut presided over the event and district chief and MLA Ekanth Shinde was also present.

Parshuram Bhoye from Kolhapur won the marathon, with a timing of 1.10.43, followed by Om prakash and Laxman Singh both from Pune, timing 1.12.27 and 1.12.28 respectively.

In women's 15 kms race, Neelam Maruti Kadamof Ragadh finished first with a timing of 1.00.1, followed by Geeta Tani Tushir and Sudha Singh, both from Mumbai city, who timed 1.00.3 and 1.00.4 respectively.

In the events meant for senior citizens, Munnalal Yadav from Gondia came first followed by Prabhakar D Thakur of Raigadh, and Eknath Patil of Thane, Ulhas Laxman Bandal and Prafulla Khule.

The entire city was decorated with welcome arches, flags and banners in saffron.

UNI