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Goa Runs for Homes and Hope

Now in its 4th edition, the Nise Gel Goa Marathon continued to attract more than 3000 marathoners from all across the country. Similar to previous
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PANJIM, March 1, 2015: Now in its 4th edition, the Nise Gel Goa Marathon continued to attract more than 3000 marathoners from all across the country. Similar to previous years, the Marathon featured four races – the 21 km Half Marathon, 10 K Run, 5 km Dream Run and the School Run for children under 14 and 16 years of age. The 10K Run and the School Run, included last year, continued to be large crowd pullers.

The half marathon attracted runners from all over India and overseas with international runners giving stiff competition both in the men and women’s open category. The 21km was flagged off at 6:00am from the Campal Ground with runners progressing across the streets as they experienced the rustic charm of Old Goa, turning around at St. Peter’s Church and back to the start point. The winners for the 21km run were Elija Karanja from Eithiopia under the men’s category and Aradhana Reddy from India from the women’s category.

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The 10 K run saw locals from Goa participating in large numbers. The run was flagged off at 6.00 am from the Campal Ground and progressed along the banks of the scenic Mandovi River moving towards Raibandar and back to the start point. The winners for the 10km run were Sarvesh Joshilkar from India under the men’s category and Shruti Narayan from India from the women’s category.

The Dream Run (5km) had several groups from corporates including Novotel, Grand Mercure Goa Shrem Resort, Central Bank of India, BresMed Health Solutions Pvt Ltd and Diebold Systems Pvt Ltd. The Marathon also drew participation from runners groups all across the country including the Susegad Runners Group from Goa, Goa Toastmasters group and an all women runners group all the way from Chennai. Novotel bagged the trophy for ‘Largest Corporate Team’ with 99 runners across different races. The Dream Run was flagged off by Goa’s ace swimmer Talasha Prabhu and Denzil Franco from the Atletico de Kolkata.

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The School Run saw schools sending in large groups of children with Kendriya Vidhyalaya INS Mandovi, Verem bagging the ‘Trophy for the School with Maximum Participation’ with 97 students participating across the four race categories. With its reputation of having one of the most scenic marathon routes, the event continues to draw the participation of several professional distance runners and local celebrities such as Talasha Prabhu, international ace swimmer from Goa. Other local heroes that participated in the Marathon include Denzil Franco, renowned player from FC Goa.

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Sponsors of the marathon include Title Sponsorship from Nise Gel from Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Associate Sponsorship from Central Bank of India, Dziners and Quality Foods. Funds raised through the event will be used to repair and re-build homes for families in need identified in Cortalim, Goa.  The event organised by El Shaddai Charitable Trust and Habitat for Humanity India is supported by the Goa Athletic Association and CCP.

When asked why Nise Gel from Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories is supporting this event, Mr. Devendra Shinde Vice President OTC Division Dr. Reddys Laboratories said, “In today’s age of technology and gadgets, people are increasingly leading sedentary lives. To keep in good health, it is so important that we make physical activity a part of our daily routine. Taking up a hobby like running, not only exercises the body, it also de-stresses the mind.

That’s why Nise Gel, from Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, is happy to partner with the Goa Marathon. This event is especially important because it aims to spread awareness about, and raise funds for, the cause of providing homes and hope for families in need. We encourage all the public spirited people of Goa to lend their support by running for the three Hs – Homes, Hope and Health. Nise Gel, formula penetrates deep into the muscles and its anti-inflammatory, pain killing action gives quick relief”

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Speaking on the occasion Matthew Kurian, Founder Trustee – El Shaddai Charitable Trust said, “The Goa Marathon is mainly organised to create awareness about health in Goa and encourage more people to run as a habit. Apart from this we are also seeking to create awareness and raise funds for the work of our organisation of addressing the needs of the poor in society.”

Speaking on the occasion Rajan Samuel, Managing Director – Habitat for Humanity India said, ‘I am pleased to see that the Goa Marathon is reaching new horizons with every passing year. A marathoner needs a lot of grid and determination to reach the finish line. The same determination reflects our efforts to provide shelter for people in need. I would like to congratulate all runners for putting in efforts towards the cause.  I want to wish all the participants the best and good luck’.

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