The runners ran for various causes like organ donation, saving the girl child, tree plantation, plastic free city, fitness, mental peace, etc.
The 29th Thane mayor's Varsha marathon held on Sunday, witnessed an attendance of over 21,000 people who ran on Thane streets. The runners ran for various causes like organ donation, saving the girl child, tree plantation, plastic free city, fitness, mental peace, etc.
Sunday morning saw excited Thanekars and even residents from Mumbai, Airoli and even Pune run in Varsha marathon held by Thane mayor Meenakshi Shinde. Flagged of by Thane's guardian minister Eknath Shinde at 6.30am, the marathon had over 21,700 people - young and old participate in it.
The 21km dream run was won by Ranjit Patel from Nashik in men's category who finished it in 1.07.41 hours. "This is my second participation in Thane marathon. Last year I came fourth. I would practice running 18-20km daily," says Patel.
Monica Athare from Nashik won the 15km marathon in women's category in 56.52 minutes.
It was the senior citizens category which generated much awe and respect as well. Narayan Ramanna Kandamwar, 66 from Pune won in senior citizens men category with 500 meter run. He sneaked in from his Pune house to Thane on Friday night to participate in this marathon. "Run ke liye kuchh bhi karega," says an excited Kandamwar who has been participating in marathons in Thane and Mumbai since 2012.
Ratan Soma, 70 from Airoli came first in senior citizens' women's category. "This is my 15th marathon and I participate to spread the message of fitness among people," says Soma. However, a relative of one of the senior citizens complained that the organizers failed to take care of seniors.
"They should have at least offered water to the elderly who finished the 500 meter run. I went and bought a few bottles of water for them," says Sandeep Vangalwar, a relative of Kandamwar.
It was a hatrick for 13 year old Parina Khillari from TMC (Thane municipal corporation) school who came first in the 5km run for under 15 years girls category. "This is my third gold and I hope to make my city proud some day by participating in international events," says Parina.
Over 250 people which included staff of Jupiter hospital and those who pledged organ donation also also participated in the marathon. Surprisingly no senior citizens or adults were reported with severe health problems. "During the registration process we screened over 500 people who were disqualified from participation due to health reasons," says Dr Tanvir Ali from Jupiter hospital. Over all 250 participants were treated for small causes like cramps, dehydration, etc.
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