Hyderabad: The 5K- Curtain Raiser” of the 12th Edition of NMDC Hyderabad Marathon powered by IDFC FIRST Bank was held at Hitex here on Saturday morning.
It was flagged off jointly by Vikas Raj, Chief Electoral Officer; Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman-Cum-Managing Director (Addl In-Charge), NMDC Ltd; Amit Sinha, Country Head, Branch Banking, IDFC FIRST Bank; and Prashant Morparia, Race Director, NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2023.
Speaking to the 6500 participants, Vikas Raj said the elections are around the corner. We are making every possible effort to increase the voting percentage. It is your responsibility too to go out and vote’. Participate in elections and electoral processes.
Get yourself enumerated. Motivate others to be part of the democratic process. There is a huge gap in rural and urban voting percentages; he said we must change this. We must reduce this gap.
Voting is not only your right but also your responsibility, he told them.
Amitava Mukherjee said NMDC is a patron of the idea that a healthy lifestyle is the foundation of growth, and we consciously get associated with events like this that bring fitness to the fore.
He wished all the runners fun, fitness, and health.
People of all ages, walks, and strata participated in the run.
6500 runners are participating in today’s 5K-Curtain Raiser for the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon, informed Prashant Morparia, Race Director, NMDC Hyderabad Marathon.
The main event, the Running Festival, will be held tomorrow. Full and half marathons will be flagged off at 4.30 a.m. and 5.30 a.m., respectively, at People’s Plaza, Necklace Road.
The 10K Run will also be flagged for tomorrow at 6.30 AM at Hitex, Madhapur, he said.
This year, we have seen a growth in the number of participants to about 21000 or more, coming from almost 30 states and UTs as well as international participation. Out of this number, 5000 are women. 500 people from 14 NGOs are also participating. It is going to be the Green Marathon. 250 volunteers are pressed into the service for the purpose of keeping it green as well as for recycling.
