INDIA. Mumbai: Over 15,000 enthusiastic runners participated in different categories in the fifth edition of the Indian Oil Western Naval Command (WNC), Indian Navy Half Marathon held in South Mumbai on Sunday.
The event was at Azad Maidan. The runners participated with commendable vigour in three race categories: the 21.1 Km Aircraft Carrier Run, the 10 Km Destroyer Run, and the 5 Km Frigate Run. The event was one of the many outreach activities conducted by the WNC as part of Navy Day 2022 activities.
This year’s marathon carried the message “Clean Coasts and Clean Seas Make Healthy Lives” and laid special emphasis on reducing the carbon footprint during the event. 100% recyclable paper cups and branding material (PVC-free and certified by CIPET) were used for it.
While the IOC was the Navy’s principal partner for the event, associate partners were Limca, SBI, and Mazagon Dock Limited. M/s Saransh (Fitpage) was the race management partner.
Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, WNC, was the Chief Guest and flagged off the aircraft carrier run at 0530 hours. The Destroyer Run was flagged off by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of Staff, UP Singh, and Executive Director (HR) IOC at 0615 hours.
The frigate run was flagged off by Rear Admiral KP Arvindan, Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard Mumbai, and UP Singh, Executive Director (HR), IOC.
On the occasion, Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh expressed delight and stated that the WNC organises this race on the third Sunday of November every year to promote fitness and strengthen the connection between the Navy and Mumbai.
Over 15,000 runners participated in the race and went away with a great race experience, reflecting the success of the Navy’s outreach, he said, adding that “let us all continue to work together, in the same manner, to make India more fit, strong, healthy, clean, and united.”
Eminent sports personalities of the Indian Navy, Lt Rahul Turan, Suresh Kumar MCPO I, BL Bayaskar MCPO I, Muhammed Anas Yahiya CPO, Eldhose Paul PO COM (TEL), and Saif Tamboli PO (US), were felicitated by the C-in-C on the occasion. All finishers were individually felicitated by men in uniform, making it a proud moment for them.
Prizes for the Open Category winners of the 5K event were awarded by UP Singh, Executive Director (HR) IOC. The winners of the 10K event were awarded by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and Laila Swaminathan, and the winners of the 21K event were awarded by Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh and Charu Singh.
Raj Tiwari, Kamal Kumar, and Sanket Masane stood first in the male categories of 21K, 10K and 5K runs respectively. In the female category, Rukamini Bhoure, Amrita Patel, and Gayatri Shinde finished first in the 21-kilometer, 10-kilometer, and 5-kilometer runs, respectively.
Winners in each race category received specially handcrafted nautical mementos that will remind them of their association with the event for years to come.
Each registered participant was given a high-quality dry-fit T-shirt and a wonderfully crafted 3D finisher’s medallion, in addition to the abundant hydration, nutrition, medical, and recovery support provided during and after the runs. The proactive support of the Mumbai Police and BMC gave participants an enriching running experience.
Also Read: Indian Navy and Coast Guard to Conduct a Two-day “Sea Vigil-2022” Exercise
