Despite the rain, Surat ran with the message of ‘Fit Surat, Clean Surat’ and No Drugs
Surat, 30 June 2024 : The night before was a celebration of the Indian cricket team’s T20 World Cup victory, and with the first light of dawn, the streets were filled with the youth carrying the messages of ‘Fit Surat, Clean Surat’ and No Drugs. The occasion was the first edition of the SK Surat Marathon. Despite the late-night celebrations and heavy rain, the enthusiasm of these young people remained unshaken. The 21 km Half Marathon started at 4:30 AM from the Police Parade Ground. The pouring rain and cold winds tried to dampen the spirits, but once the runners took off, there was no looking back. The weather tested their resolve, and heavy rains fell before each race category, but the youth’s energy was such that even the weather had to bow down.
The SK Surat Marathon, organized jointly by IIEMR and SK Finance, saw participation from the Surat Police. More than 10,000 runners participated in various categories. The marathon was flagged off by the Minister of State for Home, Mr. Harsh Sanghavi, Bollywood actor Sharman Joshi, Surat Municipal Corporation Mayor Mr. Dakshesh Mavani, SK Finance Director Mr. Yash Setia, Surat Police Commissioner Mr. Anupam Gehlot, and DCP Mr. Vijay Gurjar, boosting the runners’ morale. On this occasion, SK Surat Marathon organizer Mr. Mukesh Mishra and marathon coordinator Mr. Denny Nirban praised the enthusiasm of the runners despite the heavy rain.
*Goal to Make Surat Number 1 in Cleanliness*
State Home and Sports Minister Mr. Harsh Sanghavi praised the residents running with the message of cleanliness in the rain and thanked the organizers. The minister said that staying healthy is essential, but staying clean is equally important. He emphasized that everyone should participate in such events and take a pledge to make Surat number one in cleanliness. He also advised children and youth to exercise and run daily. Bollywood actor Sharman Joshi also encouraged the runners, saying that if you stay fit, you will have more opportunities to succeed in life.
Mukesh and Bharti were the Winners
In the 21 km Half Marathon, Mukesh Kumar won in the male category, and Bharti won in the female category. Both received a cash prize of Rs. 21,000, Decathlon Jog Flow 190 shoes, and a gift hamper. Similarly, the first winners of the 10 km marathon received Rs. 11,000, a pair of shoes, and a gift hamper. The winners of the 5 km Surat Spirit Run received Rs. 5,100 along with a gift hamper. A total cash prize of over Rs. 1.60 lakh was distributed in the SK Marathon. The first and second runners-up also received cash prizes and gift hampers.
Winners of the SK Surat Marathon:
– Mukesh Kumar Karwasara – 21 km Half Marathon (1:15:49)
– Bharti – 21 km Half Marathon (1:31:14)
– Navratna – 10 km (36:38)
– Khushboo Baghel – 10 km (52:42)
– Atul Burde – 5 km (17:05)
– Nikita Marle – 5 km (21:27)
