Visakhapatnam: As part of ‘Swarna Varsha’ celebrations of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), the fourth edition of Vizag-Navy Marathon will be held on Beach Road on November 12. Vizag-Navy Marathon, an initiative of the ENC, was started in 2014 with a modest number of runners. It has witnessed continuous support, patronage and ove-rwhelming participation from citizens of the ‘City of Destiny’ over the years. This time, there are over 12,000 participants registered to run. Like last year, the marathon this year covers 42 km full Marathon, 21.1 km half marathon besi-des 10 km and 5 km starting from the Viswapriya Hall towards Bheemili on the pristine Beach Road.
The 42-km race will start at 4:15 am, with turning point near INS Kalinga. The 21.1 km race will commence at 5:15 am and its turning point will be in front of the ‘Gayatri Vidya Parishad’ school before Gitam Hospital. The 10 km race starts at 6:15 am with its turning po-int in front of the Tenneti Park while the 5 km race will begin at 6:45 am and the runners will turn at the Kurupam Junction. Youth from NCC, Sea Cadet Corps, schools and colleges have come forward as volunteers to assist and encourage the runners all along the route with hydration and nutrition support. First Aid posts will also be set-up to assist the participants in need.
To ensure safety and security of the runners and sm-ooth conduct of the event, vehicular movement on the beach road from Kalimata temple near RK Beach till Gitam college will be restricted on Sunday morning from 3 am to till 11 am. Participants, volunteers and supports are requested to do car pooling or use as public transportation to reach the venue.
An event of this magnitude has been a success only because of the whole-hearted participation of one and all. The Vizag-Navy Marathon has been a celebration of grit, stamina and enthusiasm amongst the citizens of this health-conscious city, since 2014. This is no longer just a marathon, but an eagerly awaited ‘festival’ for professional runners, amateurs, elders, kids, families, friends and corporates. The Vizag-Navy Marathon has been an unique way to inspire one and all with the spirit of running, with a route that challenges both the physical endurance and mental toughness of the runners as well as helps to forge strong bonds of camaraderie and friendship.
