Over 20,000 people, mostly school students and youths, participated in the first Dehradun Marathon- 2016 held on the theme of fighting against corruption and drugs in the city on Sunday. Chief Minister Harish Rawat flagged off the Marathon and later participated and completed 2km run for fun. Participants included athletes, students of various schools and colleges and youths working in various Dehradun- based industries, girls and women aside from some foreigners. The Marathon was held in three categories-21 km, 7 km and 2 km. However, on a jarring note amidst the otherwise jovial ambience, a girl participant fell on the ground while running for the 7 km category. Police stepped in and helped her with medical assistance.
Chief Minister Rawat, visibly elated with the huge and boisterous attendance, thanked the youths for their massive participation. Enthused by the gathering, he descended from the stage to greet the youths.
On the occasion, CM Rawat administered oath to those who gathered, exhorting them to fight the dual menaces of corruption and drugs. later, he participated in the 2 km run along with his ministerial colleague Dinesh Aggarwal.
Rawat said that he was glad when the police officers had informed him that they would conduct Dehradun Marathon each year on the same day. “I thank them for the noble initiative,” he said.
Additional DGP (administration) Ashok Kumar who had conceived the run asked the youths to support the police department in its fight against drugs and corruption. He administrated the oath to the youths against the two ills that have eaten their way deep in the collective body of the society. The police department had made arrangements like drinking water, medical facilities and snacks for the participants at police lines.
Participants started thronging police lines since 6 am. The event started a little after 7.30 am. Enthusiasm among the students of various schools and colleges was remarkable.
Abhishek Anand from Brooklyn School said, ” I was very excited to participate in Dehradun Marathon being held for the first time in the city. I had not however done any practice for the event because of the internal examination at my school. Along with our school friends, I participated in 7km run. I did not run for awards though. I earlier participated in the school marathon.”
Anil Thapa, social science student of DAV (PG) College, said that he had been drawn to the run by the noble theme it embodied. “We must fight heart and soul both individually and collectively to rid the society of the evils of corruption and drugs,” he said. Sushma Negi, student of a private university, said that a large number of youths being addicted to drugs, the run would inspire them to quit the dangerous habit while inspiring others to stay away from it.
The district police made adequate arrangements en-route, including water points and medical aids, apart from bringing a large number of volunteers to make the event a success.
Traffic plan has been drafted accordingly for the marathon to ensure that the commuters faced the least of inconveniences on the roads while the run was on.