3K participate in 21-km marathon to Mount Abu
Our Correspondent
Abohar, August 18
Over 3,000 athletes from different states as well as abroad participated in the (half) marathon organised on Sunday as part of the programs in connection with the 17th death anniversary of UNO’s Messenger of Peace Award recipient Dadi Prakashmani, former chief administrator of the Brahma Kumaris organisation, which has centres in 140 countries.
Asian Marathon Gold Medallist Sunita Godara, national champion in the women’s 100-m event, Dutee Chand, senior Indian Air Force and CRPF officers, besides district administration and political leaders, were among the dignitaries at the event. Each winner received a cash prize of Rs 51,000 each; the 1st runner-up got Rs 41,000; and the 2nd runner-up got Rs 31,000, in addition to trophies and mementos.
The marathon was flagged off at 6 am at Abu Road to cover 21.09 km to Mount Abu.
The winner in the male category, Pali, a resident of Kalpesh Dewasi, covered the distance in 1 hour and 22 minutes. He was followed by Varun Kumar of Mount Abu in second place and Rohit Tonk in third place.
In the veteran male category, Harish Chander was the winner. He was followed by Subhash Singh in second place and Charan Singh in third place.
In the veteran female category, Asha Manral of New Delhi was the winner. She was followed by Dr Parul Patel in second place and Bhawna Gurnani in third place.
In the female general category, Arpita S secured the win. She was followed by Bhumi Negi in second place and Arpita Ketan Pandya in third place.
Brahma Kumaris Executive Secretary Mruthyunjaya Bhai, the Global Hospital Research Centre Director, Dr Pratap Middha, MLA Ratan Dewasi Desai, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Salunkhe Gaurav Ravindra, and the other dignitaries honoured the winners. The gathering took a pledge to fight against drugs and other social evils.
BK’s multimedia chief, BK Karuna, said the death anniversary of Dadi Prakashmani will be commemorated as World Brotherhood Day on August 25. He said President Droupadi Murmu had last year released a postage stamp in memory of Dadi Prakashmani.
