Vizag Navy Marathon Attracts Over 17,000 Runners

NVisakhapatnam: More than 17,000 runners took to the streets of Visakhapatnam on Sunday as it marked the 10th anniversary of the Vizag Navy Marathon, with the participation of international athletes representing 17 countries and prize money exceeding Rs 10 lakh.

The decade-old event, which has grown into one of the region’s leading marathons, has brought together professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts in many race categories.

Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, flagged off the entire marathon (42 km) and presided over the award distribution ceremony.

While the half marathon and Sankalp Run were inaugurated by Navy Women Welfare Association (Eastern Region) president Priya Bhalla, Vizag district collector Harendhira Prasad and police commissioner Sankhabrata Bagchi flagged off the 10 km and 5 km runs respectively.

The event was attended by senior flag officers, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation commissioner, naval veterans and representatives of the main sponsors.

This year’s event has introduced various participant-friendly measures, including attractive discounts for runners, an improved delivery package and comprehensive insurance cover for all participants.

Vice Admiral Bhalla congratulated the winners and participants and expressed his gratitude to the district administration, city police and voluntary organizations for ensuring smooth conduct of the event.