Guwahati: Thousands of runners from all parts of the country on Sunday took part in the first-ever 'Coal India Guwahati Half Marathon' held at the Sarusajai stadium.

The marathon said to be the “first of its kind”, was organized under the Eastern Command of the army in close coordination with the state government and title sponsor Coal India Ltd. “The marathon aimed at uniting people across cultures and cities and to add Guwahati to the marathon map of the country”, an army official said.

Organized with the motto of 'Amar Run, Amar Utsav', (our run, our festival), marathons were held for different age groups in the 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km categories. 

“The stadium was teeming with energy even before sunrise and decked up in colourful themes symbolising celebration and festivities. The route of the run was interspersed with cheering zones, dance troupes, and bands keeping the adrenaline of runners high. Determination and grit shown by the differently abled who participated in the 5 km run further added to the spirit of the event”, an official said.

More than 5,000 runners participated in the event and over 800 of them were women “which reflected naari shakti in true sense”, said the official.

Nazeem Pulikkal, with a timing of 1:10:09, was adjudged the winner of the half marathon among men while Phurba Tamang took home the trophy among women, clocking an impressive 01:35:00. 

The event was graced by Nandita Garlosa, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister of Assam, Lt Gen RP Kalita, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, and several other dignitaries.

“I express my gratitude to the Indian Army for taking this initiative and conducting an event of this magnitude in Guwahati and appreciate the strides made towards civil-military integration in Assam”, Garlosa said at the event.

“This event represents a shared dream of unity, fitness, sports adventure, and above all peace and prosperity across the region”, said an official.

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