5,000 Mumbaikars run in Indian Navy's half-marathon

Over 5,000 Mumbaikars from all age groups took part in the first Indian Navy Half Marathon organised by the Western Naval Command here on Sunday, an official said.

The runners were classified in three categories: the Aircraft Carrier Run (21.1 km), Destroyer Run (10 km) and the five-km long Frigate Run, a fun-run for all, held at the MMRDA Grounds in Bandra-Kurla Complex.

Clocking the top time for the Aircraft Carrier Run, Narendra Ugale (1.16.19 hr) and Payal Khanna (1.51.17 hr) won the half marathon in the men's and women's category respectively.

The Destroyer Run was won by Shailesh Gangoda (33.59 minutes) and Shweta Gawade (43.25 minutes). All the participants ran to the motto of the event 'Matching Stride To Stride With Pride'.

Vice-Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, who presided over the event, gave away attractive nautical prizes to the winners and each participant received a participation medallion.

Luthra said the event would strengthen the Indian Navy's connect and bonding with the people and announced that it would become an annual feature in Mumbai's sports calendar.

In the build-up to the event, the Naval Band gave a spectacular performance followed by a Zumba Dance as a warm-up for the half marathon in the slight Mumbai chill and fog.

--IANS

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