Thousands of runners participate in Surat marathon

Surat, Jan 23 (ANI): Over 20,000 participants took part in a marathon organised by the municipal corporation in Gujarat's Surat city on Sunday.

The marathon began from the Parle point area up till Dumas, a popular tourist spot in the city.

The marathon was divided in two categories.

The first category included a 4.5 kilometre stretch for males in the age group of 15 to 45 years.

The second category included a stretch of 3.5 kilometres for women, children and senior citizens.

Meena Vankalvala, a participant, who took part in the recently held Mumbai marathon, said that she felt good to be running on the home turf.

"Last week, I went to participate in the Mumbai Marathon. Similar arrangements have been put up here. And, I really enjoyed it, since it is taking place in our own city. That was in Mumbai, and this is in our own city. I felt very good while running here," said Meena Vankalvala.

The marathon is precursory to the Republic Day celebrations.

Chetan Kapadia, another participant, said that the enthusiasm of the marathoners was contagious.

"Everyone took part with a lot of enthusiasm. And the marathon started from SVR College to Dumas resort. And in the fresh environment of the morning, first time such kind of grand event has been held in Surat city that can leave behind any other major metro city," said Chetan Kapadia. (ANI)