India Behind The Lens (News Centre)

The second edition of Sabarmati Marathon, flagged off by Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, saw nearly 18,000 people participating in different categories. The event was organised by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation for the second successive year.

The marathon route covered a 42 km stretch across the city. The response was good with thousand of spectators coming to cheer the participants. Men, women, children, senior citizens, and differently-abled, all lined up for the event. In addition to the registered runners, many school children also participated. There were three categories — 42-km full marathon, 21-km half marathon and 7-km dream run.

Narendra Modi was enthused by the overwhelming response especially the blind and otherwise physically disabled. Modi said after flagging off the race, "The annual event had added another feather to the city’s pride, reflecting the people’s sporting spirit and youthfulness. In the world of marathon, Ahmedabad has made its own place. Since the last two years, thousands of people, especially the youth, have been participating in this event with great zeal”.

Notable dignitaries like city Mayor Asit Vora, Air Marshall R K Jolly, South West Air Force Command Chief Air Staff Officer, legislators and municipal officers were also present at the event.

The winners, Philmon Rotich of Kenya, in Men category notching 2:12:02 hours, and Ethiopia’s Gadise Fita Megersa in Women's, notching 2:38:54 hours, were awarded Rs 6 lakh each for winning the event.