Over 10,000 run in Nagpur Unity Run; Ethiopia's Tasehay Ohawa, local runner Rajan Yadav win open 21 km

The Nagpur Municipal Corporation organised a "Unity Run Marathon" on Saturday to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the "Iron Man of India". The marathon started from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ground (Kachhiwisa) in Lakadganj. More than 10,000 people, including national and international runners, took part and gave the message of national unity and integrity.

In the 21-km women's open category, Ethiopian international runner Tasehay Ohawa finished first. In the men's open category, Rajan Yadav of Nagpur took the top spot.

Runners came not only from Nagpur but also from Nashik, Solapur, Chandrapur, Amravati and Ratnagiri. Runners from Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh also took part with great enthusiasm. Along with various districts of Maharashtra, runners from several states were thus among the participants.

Guests flagged off the marathon at dawn. Minister of State Dr Pankaj Bhoyar, MLA Krishna Khopde, Mayor Nita Thakre, Deputy Mayor Leela Hathibed and Standing Committee chairperson Shivani Dani were among the dignitaries present.

Dr Bhoyar praised the Nagpur Municipal Corporation's initiative. He said efforts to develop the sports sector had been continuing over the past few years. He added that various schemes and initiatives were being run so that young people in rural and urban areas get opportunities in sport.

He expressed confidence that the Unity Marathon would carry the message of national unity to the last person in society. Saying that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a historic role in keeping the country united, he said the main purpose of the event was to remember his contribution and take the spirit of national unity to every section of society.

Mayor Nita Thakre said prizes worth Rs 11 lakh in total were on offer this year. Separate categories for men and women were created in each group according to distance. Various prizes were also arranged for a fancy dress competition.