Panaji | 27^th February 2024

The inaugural edition of the Goa Navy Marathon (GNM) 2024, held at INS Mandovi on 25th February, witnessed an overwhelming response with approximately 1200 enthusiastic runners participating in the event, adorning the picturesque length of Goa's roads with a sea of people. Organized by the Indian Navy in association with Indian Oil and Brooks Running, the event featured races in three categories: 21K, 10K, and 5K, segmented into various age groups.

Attendees from diverse groups including women, senior citizens, children, youth, and navy personnel graced the occasion, with many residents and families arriving early in the morning to witness the exhilarating race.

The event commenced with participants capturing memorable moments at the starting line, sharing their experiences on social media platforms.

Cmde Prashant Chowdhary, VSM, Commanding Officer of Mandovi, flagged off the 21km Half Marathon which attracted over 200 participants. The 10km race, drawing over 430 participants, commenced with the start signal given by Cmde Sanjay Panda (Retired). The five-kilometer race saw the participation of over 500 runners, flagged off by Cmde G Prakash (Retired).

The GNM race route stretched from INS Mandovi Verem to St. Anthony’s Chapel, turning right towards St. Alex Church and back, offering one of the flattest terrains for half marathon and 10km run in Goa.

In the men's open division, Siddhesh Barje emerged victorious in the half marathon, completing it in 1 hour and 09 minutes, while Akhil Yadav claimed the top spot in the 10-kilometer run with a time of 33 minutes. In the women's division, Sapna Patel secured the first position in the half marathon, completing it in 1 hour and 29 minutes, while Ayan Soares triumphed in the 10km race with a time of 45 minutes.

Hydration and refreshment stations were strategically set up along the route for the benefit of the runners, with numerous bystanders cheering and encouraging the participants at various points throughout the course.

 

GSK/PM

 

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