GD Goenka Sohna Marathon

GD GOENKA SOHNA MARATHON

With agile mind and enthusiastic spirit, GD Goenka University, Gurugram organized a mega Sohna Marathon on 15 February 2020. Marking its inception this year, ‘Sohna Marathon’ is a deeply deliberated event for keeping the classic tradition of a thoughtful phrase, ‘Health is wealth’ alive and intact. The marathon aimed to aggravate the adrenaline rush, while translating a dream of healthy life into reality. The event marked the gracious presence of our eminent and esteemed dignitaries of GD Goenka University, including Mr. Rohit Gujral, Director, GD Goenka Group; Dr. Suku Bhaskaran, President; Dr. Jayasankar Variyar, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Maj. Karttikeya Sharma, Administrator and Dr. Tanuja Kaushik, Dean, Student Welfare & International Relations.

The esteemed Guests of Honour for the Marathon were Shri. Sanjay Singh, MLA, Sohna; Ms. Pritam Rani Siwach, Former Captain, Indian Women’s Hockey Team; Ms. Sonal Dahiya, News Anchor and Producer and Dr. Hemant Singh Beniwal, Psychologist and a passionate marathon runner. With their keen and proactive spirit, they channelized more energy amidst the overwhelming euphoria of the marathon, and reiterated the importance of such an event that can constructively create iron-jawed individuals for providing a concrete base for a healthy and enlightened society.

The theme for this year’s marathon was – RUN FOR WOMEN’S SAFETY, envisioned to respect and promote women’s empowerment, with a stressful concern for their safety. The event emphasized upon removing the barriers of unsafe environment for women, to ensure effective articulation of their potential and skills in the ever-growing contemporary scenario. The event saw a large pool of participants, nearly 1700 people, young and old, encompassing all layers of society, coming together on a common platform to stand tall in accentuating this noble and healthy cause. This event was even more special, as GD Goenka Group marks its 25 years of excellence in 2020, the silver jubilee of the Goenkan fraternity overwhelms each and every heart, while ardently striving for more milestones ahead.

The mega marathon included four categories, the Half Marathon was of 21.1 km for the age group 18 years and above. Then, we had the Run for 10 km for age group 15 years and above. The third Run was of 5 km for the age group 10-14 years. And lastly, we had the Walkathon of 3 km for people of age 35 years and above. The route for the Sohna Marathon was an ideal picturesque view, enwrapping the Aravalli to render an awakened sense of tranquility as the feet talked with the intricacies and subtleties of the simple, yet profoundly meditative nature.

The Sohna Marathon began with a warm welcome for our Guests of Honour, and the opening ceremony also witnessed a Zumba performance coordinated by Fitness Group of Zubair Rana, who undoubtedly accelerated the energy, beautifully pumping the blood for the run ahead. Everyone grooved and jumped on their beats, leaving the crowd roaring and rejoiced. Amidst this loud cheer, the flag was hoisted and the moment marked the beginning of the various categories of marathon for our participants.

In the 21.1 km Run, for 18 Years & above, male category, first prize was won by Kuldeep Singh, second by Stephen Kosgei and third by Laxman Kumar Saini. In the female category, first prize was won by Rimpi Devi, second by Supriya and third by Shipra Makhija. Next, in the 10 km Run for age 15 Years & above, male category, first prize went to Avdesh Nagar, second to Meraj and third to Raju. In the female category, first position was won by Badho, second by Ekta Rawat and third by Priyanka Bhati. In the 5 Km Run for age 10 to 14 Years, male category, first prize was bagged by Lalit Kumar, second by Chintu and third by Sahil Khan. In the female category, first prize was won by Himani Raghav, second by Avni Suri and third by Ritika. All the winners got Medals and tempting cash prizes as an ode to their marvelous victory and sportsmanship.

The event culminated itself with a Vote of Thanks by Maj. Karttikeya Sharma, Administrator, GD Goenka University; he joyously thanked all the participants and the organizers for such a remarkable event. A dance performance by GD Goenka University’s Students ended the event on an enchanting note. Everyone left with a warm smile, while ruminating about the next annual Marathon, with promising efforts and rejuvenating spirit.