Nashik runs for a cause

Around 20,000 people braved the early morning chill to participate in this year’s Nashik Run, which was held on Sunday. 

The Nashik Run Charitable Trust (NRCT),  a social initiative by Bosch and EPCOS companies, which organised the event collected more than Rs60 lakhs for various social causes.

Participants, who bought a red T-shirt provided by NRCT, ran along the Mahatma Nagar road. Mayor Yatin Wagh, NRCT president N Balakrishnan and others flagged off a run for specially-abled children. Supported by their parents, friends and teachers, the cheerful lot of children walked for a small distance around the Mahatma Nagar ground. This was followed by a 2.5km run for youngsters and a 4.5km run for adults.

“A lot of people have come forward to buy T-shirts in the 11th year of the run. They trust that the money collected will be used for the right cause,” said NRCT secretary Saleel Raje.

Lalita Wagh, a specially-abled girl, hoisted the national flag in the morning. Internationally acclaimed athlete Kavita Raut lit the torch as a police band played the background tune. Students from Sameer Bal Academy presented dances to set the mood of the event.

Many projects were undertaken in and around the city using the money collected from last year’s run. Check dams were built and wells were cleaned at Savarpada tribal village, a building was constructed at Waghere tribal school, tree plantation was conducted at many places and around 10,000 cotton bags were distributed to promote a plastic-free Nashik.

“The Nashik Run is one platform where all the money contributed is used for a cause. The run creates a good mood and a sense of social responsibility at the beginning of the year,” said a participant Sudhir Mutalik.