The Champions Return
With building anticipation Vadodara awaits 6 th January 2019 for the 8th Edition of the MG Vadodara International Marathon. The nation’s biggest marathon returns with the Full Marathon 42.195 kms, Half Marathon 21.098 kms, Quarter Marathon 10.5 kms, Inox Divyang Paralympic Run, Linde Swacchata Run, Rameshwar Transport Jawan Run, KYB Conmat NGO Pledge Run and Marathon Relay.
The total number of registrations for the MG Vadodara International Marathon has reached a peak this year with 99,309 registered runners. This includes 70 international runners, 24284 corporate runners, 2000 divyang participants. Also featured are 60 participants in the ‘Torch of Seva’, a symbolic run for eminent citizens who have contributed for the upliftment and welfare of Vadodara city.
The 8th edition of the MG Vadodara Marathon will be flagged off by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Bhai Rupani, giving the race the unique distinction of being the race flagged off by the Chief Minister of Gujarat on all editions. The timed runs will be flagged off by the Hon’ble Minister of Cooperation, Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities, Transportation; Government of Gujarat, Shri Ishwarsinh Patel.
On 8th October Sarita Gayakwad, (Asian Games Gold Medal Winner) was inducted as a brand ambassador to the MG Vadodara International Marathon adding more sparkle to the lineup of acclaimed sportspersons and citizens who carry forward the ethos of the nation’s largest race.
Speaking on the highlights of this year’s marathon Smt. Tejal Amin, Chairperson of the MG Vadodara International Marathon, said, ‘Our commitment to our motto of Sports, Seva and Swacchata have been echoed in our causes of Organ Donation and a Plastic Free Vadodara this year. We have been successful in making these causes popular as gleaned from our social media and online responses. More and more people are being made aware of these causes and it is Vadodara Marathon once again at the forefront of making this initiative an accepted one”.
Always one to lead by example, the MG Vadodara International Marathon is taking recycling to the next level by shredding all plastic items on the ground to reuse as polyester yarn fiber in making tee shirts and caps. Most noteworthy is that all the Kits handed out to all registered runners are being packed woven fibre bags discontinuing the use of plastic. bags for participants)
The MG Vadodara International Marathon continues its contribution to the culture of the city by hosting international Contd. and national artists at the flag off like every year. This year showcases Omani Singer Haitham Rafi who is in India for a concert and has accepted the invitation to perform at the flag off with his rendition of ‘Vaishav Jana’. Acknowledged as India’s most well known Omani, Rafi has won accolades from even the Prime minister’s office for his feat.
A recital of Madhurashtakam in the traditional Aakhyan style will be performed by Mayankbhai Pandya and troupe. Mayankbhai is a renowned exponent of the classical arts and is recognized with the revival of the traditional form of narration.
A special drum circle by 250 Divyang participants is also being organized by Divyang Dost, an organization led by Naman Parikh, which is working towards inclusion of divyang citizens in our lives.
On race day, The MG Vadodara International Marathon is setting new benchmarks in runner’s comfort by introducing more medical booths, upgraded after race recovery zones and more monitoring stations.
Supported by the Sports Authority of India and the Sports Authority of Gujarat, this AFI and AIMS accredited race is set to make history again on Sunday expecting a record attendance.
