VIJAYAWADA: Around 10,000 denizens of the city turned up for the second edition of ‘Jio Amaravati Marathon- 2017’ at Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium (IGMC) here on Sunday. The run was organised by the State government in association with DEEP Trust as it reflects “the sprit, enthusiasm and energy which abounds in us as we set about to create a world class people’s capital”.
Irrigation Minister Devineni Uma Maheswara Rao along with local MP Kesineni Srinivas and City Police
Commissioner Gautam Sawang flagged off the 10K run, which passed through thoroughfares of the city including the Police Control Room, One Town flyover, Sitammavari Padalu and Prakasam Barrage and culminated at Mantena Satyanarayana Raju Ashram on Krishna-Karrakatta Road. The half marathon also includes 10K, 3K and 5K run events.
Despite the early morning schedule, the crowd was enthusiastic. People of all ages were seen running alongside the Mahatma Gandhi Road, carrying placards with slogans highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. DGP N Sambasiva Rao, BCCI selection committee chairman M S K Prasad and others also took part in the event.
K Neeraja, an NRI who participated in the marathon said, “It was a great experience to participate in the Amaravati Marathon. I was a regular visitor of the IGMC Stadium, PWD Grounds and MG Road when I was a student. Now I am here to support the people actively taking part in the marathon held as part of the endeavour to boost the image of Amaravati and health consciousness among participants.”
KS Prakash Rao, an Axis Bank employee said, “The marathon has created a festive mood among the denizens and I thank all the organisers for making the event a grand success.” Film actress Manchu Lakshmi attended the prize distribution ceremony of the marathon held at IGMC.