Announcing the launch of the 5th Edition of the Vadodara International Half Marathon. The 5th Edition of this popular sporting event is scheduled on 7th February 2016 at Navlakhi Gounds, Vadodara.
Vadodara Marathon – a Section 25 company registered under the Companies Act 1956 will be organizing this half marathon in association with the Baroda District Amateur Athletics Association (BDAAA). Notably, the Vadodara International Half Marathon is accredited by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and will be held as per the norms set by Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
The previous edition of the Vadodara International Half Marathon (VIHM) saw participations cross the 43,000 figure which included a huge number of local runners along with a lot of national athletes from all over India as well as many international runners. In doing so VIHM has earned itself the title of “Biggest Marathon, Smallest City”.
The Vadodara International Half Marathon has always been successful in garnering the support of local citizens not only in terms of participation but also in terms of highlighting social / civic causes. This VIHM 2016 not only aims to promote Marathon as a spot and a tool for fitness but will also be working for causes like “Swachch Bharat”, Women Empowerment and IT Skill Development for youth. Moreover, VIHM aims at getting more youngsters run in the marathon, instilling a sense of pride and belonging to the city and also improving fitness levels of people across all age groups.
Like all the previous four editions, this year the 5th edition of the Vadodara International Half Marathon will also be flagged off by the Hon. Chief Minister of Gujarat. We are happy that the first woman Chief Minister of our state Smt. Anandiben Patel has given her consent to flag off this year’s event.
The 5th edition of VIHM carries total prize money of Rs. 22.5 Lakhs spread across various categories of runners. Several new categories have been added to this year’s prize winning opportunities including awards for Gujarat’s top three men and women runners. To encourage local runners there are prizes for the top three runners from Vadodara city too.
The VIHM 2016 is introducing new categories of runners of 40 years and above, veteran’s category 45 to 59, super veteran 59+ in mens and veterans 40-54,super veterans 55+ in the women’s category.
This year charges for registrations are as follows:
Participants can register at the Vadodara Marathon office or online at www.vadodaramarathon.com from 2nd November, 2015 onward. Registrations will close on 28th January, 2016.
In order to prepare for the marathon and lift up the spirit of the citizens to participate, various events have been planned that will be organized all the way until the final date of the marathon. These include sports fitness clinics across the city, Flash mobs, smaller runs and a Tweetathon along with several city based contests for all citizens.
The marathon will be launched on November 1, 2015 in association with VMSS through a unique event – the Launch Parade where Superbikes, Dirt bikers, Cyclists, Skaters and Runners will participate in a parade that takes place across the city along various routes. The Launch Parade will begin at the Dandia Bazar Akota Flyover and culminate in the Sayajibaug Bandstand.
