Over 5000 enthusiastic runners braved the incessant rains on the morning of 1st October to participate in the RG Hospitals’ ‘RG MARATHON 3.0’ across 5 Km, 10Km and 21Km categories. Athletes with Disabilities also got an opportunity to participate this year.
Renowned fitness icon Milind Soman, who is a Brand Ambassador for the event, ran alongside the participants with his wife Ankita Konwar, also being a runner.
Parasappa Halijo emerged the winner in the 21 km category. He was followed by Abhishek in 2nd place while Annanot B. Goakar secured 3rd place.
In the 10 km category, Anubhav clinched 1st place, with Vivek Narayan Mko and Anita Kamalavalli finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively.
In the 5 km category, the top 3 positions went to Omkar Sadanand, Yashraj Balaram, and Dev Narayan.
Milind Soman, who also participated, added an extra layer of excitement.
The event’s grandeur reached its pinnacle during the award ceremony where winners and participants were awarded with medals, certificates and cash rewards.
Along side chief guest Milind Soman; guests of honour – DGP of Goa Police, Jaspal Singh; IGP Omvir Singh Bishnoi, SP (North) Nidhin Valsan, Dr Shital Lengade, Chief Nephrologist of RG Hospital; Chief Microbiologist of RG Hospital, Dr. Marzook; Head of RG Hospitals Goa unit, Dr. Anjum were also present.
RG Marathon 3.0 was technically assisted by Goa Amateur Athletic Association; was also supported by Tourism Department (Govt of Goa), Goa Police, Pink Force & Panjim Municipal Corporation.
The event was more than just a race; it was a testament to the power of inclusivity and the indomitable spirit of athletes with disabilities. This year’s event featured a dedicated segment in which Persons with Disabilities participated both in the wheelchair and standing categories, showcasing their extraordinary determination and sporting prowess.
The RG Marathon organisers initially showed reluctance for inclusion of persons with disabilities. However, through Vishant Nagvekar, a member of Advisory Committee to the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Goa; and Ritesh Vaigankar made several representation to the RG Marathon organisers and the co-organisers i.e. SAG, DGP, Department of Tourism. As a consequence to the intervention of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, the Para-Athletes category was included in two categories Wheelchair and Standing.
In the wheelchair category, four exceptional individuals with disabilities, Vishant Nagvekar, Patrick Dsouza, Stany Dsouza, Moises Rodrigues, displayed their incredible strength and resilience. Their determination and competitive spirit were palpable, as they self-propelled their specialised ‘Active wheelchairs’ to the limit, vying for personal bests, strength and glory which was appreciated by the co-runners of the RG Marathon.
Individuals with disabilities graced the ‘Standing Category’ in the RG Marathon Run. Their presence on the track highlighted the diverse range of abilities within the community of persons with disabilities. Some participants faced mobility impairments. What united them all was their shared passion for sports, health, running and their unwavering commitment to overcome obstacles to share the awareness on Rights and abilities of persons with disabilities. The Para-participants in standing category were Ritesh Vaigankar, Melvin Mendes, Shripad Pai Bir and Chandrakant Gaude, stated a press release.
