'Thane Varsha Marathon' run spreads message of fitness

Thane, July 18 (ANI): The twenty-first edition of 'Thane Varsha Marathon' run was hosted here on Sunday with the objective to spread awareness about good health and environmental protection.

Thane Mayor Ashok Vaity flagged off the run, which witnessed the participation of over thousands of participants.

"This Thane Varsha Marathon is being organised in Thane from past 21 years. The motto behind this marathon is spreading a message of staying fit. 32,471 people participated in this marathon," said Ashok Vaity.

The marathon runners from Indian Army, Railways and Services took part in this lively competitive event, held every year during the monsoon.

"By such events being organised in India, sports are being encouraged and more and more youngsters are encouraged to take part in different sports," said Deepak Kumar, winner of the 21 kilometres run in Thane Varsha Marathon.

The Thane Varsha Marathon is organised by Thane Marathon Trust in association with the city's civic body.

There were 10 groups in all in which the race was conducted.

Earlier, a mixed relay race of national level was held in which two women and four men formed a team and covered seven kilometres each towards completing 42.195 kilometres.

The Run for Fun had two kilometres stretch, which was open to all age groups including the visually challenged athletes.

The physically challenged sportspersons also took part rolling their wheelchairs for one kilometre.

The 10 kilometres race was open for both men and women.

Former Rajya Sabha Member Satish Pradhan is the brain behind this sporting carnival that was first run in 1990 in an attempt to imbibe sporting culture among the youngsters. (ANI)