Kochi Navy Marathon – A Sea of Green
Kochi Navy Marathon – A Sea of Green
As part of Navy Week activities, the Indian Navy conducted the third edition of the Kochi Navy Marathon on 17 November 2019, with the main event, the 21 km “Venduruthy Run” being flagged off by Vice Admiral AK Chawla, AVSM, NM, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command. The other two categories, the 10 km “Dronacharya Run” and 5 km “Garuda Run” were flagged off by Surgeon Rear Admiral Joy Chatterjee, VSM, Command Medical Officer, Rear Admiral RJ Nadkarni, AVSM, VSM, Chief of Staff respectively.
The marathon for 2019 was organised with the aim of promoting the twin initiatives - ‘Fit India’ as well as ‘Go Green’. Over 3500 Kochites, all in green coloured Marathon T- Shirts forming a “Sea of Green” took part in the run. The route for Marathon took the runners through Willingdon Island, before joining the National Highway continuing across two of the longest bridges in the city till reaching Kundanoor Junction and returning back, invigorated by the fresh morning breeze, with the distinctive Chinese fishing nets as a backdrop. The 21 km Venduruthy run was further divided into five different age groups: 13 – 30 years, 31 – 40 years, 41 – 50 years, 51 – 60 years and above 60 years, in both male and female categories.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Admiral AK Chawla expressed his delight at the overwhelming response received for the third edition of the Navy Marathon. He reiterated the importance of being health conscious and emphasised the importance of “Fit India” and “Go Green” initiatives being supported by the marathon. The Marathon saw active participation from all walks of life, both military and civilian, which included men, women, children as well as senior citizens. The Commander-in-Chief himself participated in the Garuda Run.
Two naval runners, Satyjeet yadav with a timing of 1 hr 25 min 13 sec and Grewans Kutoli with a timing of 39 min 40 sec won the 21 km and 10 km runs respectively in the male category. In the female category, Ms. Marina mathew with a timing of 1hr 56 min and Ms. Josmi Joseph with a timing of 50 min 08 sec won the 21 km and 10 km events respectively. The Garuda Run was won by Mr. Kuldip with a timing of 17 min 52 sec and Ms. Sreyendri kishor with a timing of 25 min 31 sec in the male and female categories respectively. All finishers were awarded medals for their participation, while sponsored prizes were given to the top three candidates in each age group and category.
The event enhanced awareness amongst all the participants about the benefits of running to promote a healthy life and was a resounding success.
