Raipur: Thousands race to save river Mahanadi

RAIPUR: With one aim in mind—conservation of environment—thousands of runners gathered early on Sunday morning for Mahanadi Half Marathon at Baya Road in Asnid village of Kasdol block in Balodabazar-Bhatpara district of Chhattisgarh.
More than 3,000 runners from 15 states of the country and abroad participated in the event organized by the district administration.
The marathon is said to be the third largest marathon of the state being organised for water, forest, and river conservation.Actor-model often hailed as ‘ironman’ Milind Soman, Chollywood star Padmashri Anuj Sharma, and international hockey player Neeta Dumare flagged off the marathon.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, chief guest Milind Soman said that age is no bar for running nor any resources are required. “You should run as per your wish; it is good for the body. Water, forest, river, and environment are our heritage and it is the responsibility of all of us to save them.”
He also appreciated organization of such an event in small district of Balodabazar-Bhatpara.
Former international hockey player Nita Dumare emphasized on environment protection. Appreciating such huge gathering of runners and citizens at the event, Dumare said, “I have not imagined that people in such large numbers will come to spread our message to save our environment and Mahanadi River.”
Besides, a grand kite festival was also organised on the occasion. A professional kite flying team from Mumbai conducted a mesmerizing kite flying programme at Balar Dam—a beautiful naturally occurring dam in Balodabazar—to promote tourism.
Ranjit Kumar of steel city Bhilai clinched first prize in men's category (21 kilometres) while Shinin Kripalandhi of Kenya bagged second prize and Yudhishthira Kumar bagged third prize in the same category. In the womens category (21 kilometres) Nairobi of Kenya bagged first prize while Jacqueline of Kenya bagged second and third prize was won by Vimala Patel. Cash prize of Rs 1 lakh was given to first prize winner, Rs 51,000 to second prize winner and Rs 21,000 to third prize winner.
In one kilometre fun run all MLAs, public representatives, officers, employees, distinguished citizens, and large number of citizens participated. People also danced their heart out in Zumba event and also enjoyed “Sayan the Band”. MLAs Shakuntala Sahu, Pramod Sharma, and Chandradev Rai, Zila panchayat president Rakesh Verma, district collector Kartikeya Goyal, and SP Neethu Kamal also took part in the marathon to encourage the runners.