Hyderabad: Army men sweep top honours at intercity run

Hyderabad: Army men swept the top three honours at the inaugural 10K intercity run held at Hussainsagar with Avinash Sable finishing first with impressive record of 29 minutes and fifty-four seconds. 

The first runner up, Shankar Swami, and the second runner-up, Mohit Chandra Singh, had a close finish as they crossed the line in 30 minutes and 49 seconds and 30 minutes and 52 seconds, respectively. 

Amrish Kumar, coach of the army, said, “I am pleased with the performance of the army men. As their coach, it gives me happiness.”

V. Priyanka finished first in the women category, crossing the line in 45 minutes and 8 seconds. She was followed by Jacqueline Xavier at 52 minutes and 43 seconds whereas the second runner up,  Kruti Kadakia, finished at 54 minutes and 21 seconds.  

The event was attended by several dignitaries from different walks of life.  Dronacharya awardee Ramesh Nagapuri attended it along with international athletes Kalpana Reddy and Shankar.

Pullela Gopichand, who is the brand ambassador, said, “This run will promote sports in the country.” With more than 3,000 participants, the run promoted the concept of a green and healthy India with the support of the Telangana police, the GHMC and Hyderabad Metropolitan Develop-ment Authority.

 Mr Anand Menezes, an ex-Olympian, said, “The concept of a circuit run was accepted by all in Hyderabad. We have already taken the same to different parts of India and will be moving to Chennai from here.”

This event had received official recognition from the Athletics Federation of India and the prize money for the run ranged from Rs 35,000 to Rs 15,000.