Year 2020 will be remembered as the year of the new normal. Online is the new normal, and fitness the new essential. As the entire world goes virtual, Vadodara too gears up for the Virtual Edition of the Vadodara International Marathon. The MGVM Virtual Marathon transforms organized racing as we know it making it a truly universal race freeing it from geographical limit where runners from around the globe can all take part in the same race—in new and exciting ways.
”In times of Covid-19, fitness has become an even more important aspect of life. This dialogue will see a timely and fruitful conversation on nutrition, wellness and various other aspects of fitness.” - Shri Narendra Modi. Echoing the call of our Hon. Prime Minister, the MGVM Virtual Marathon is also a strong message of self reliance and self motivated fitness making it India's first truly Atmanirbhar race.
“Vadodara Marathon champions represent the hard work, sacrifice, and determination it takes to reach the finish line. Our top priority continues to be safeguarding the health of the community, as well as our staff, participants, volunteers, spectators, and supporters." said Smt. Tejal Amin, Chairperson of Vadodara Marathon at the launch of the MGVM Virtual Marathon 2021. “As we approach the Virtual Marathon Experience, we look forward to connecting our dedicated runners with race champions to further enhance their virtual run. While we may not be in Vadodara, we're still united in spirit.” she further added.
Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director, MG Motor India, said, “India is today waking up to its new future of fitness and wellbeing. At MG, since our inception, we have ensured that this applies to every aspect of our community with our unwavering endorsement of girl child education, women empowerment, indigenous manufacturing of high-quality ventilators, support of our underprivileged communities, and other similar initiatives. Vadodara holds a special place in our heart and we feel privileged to support the Vadodara Marathon for 6 years. It is a testament to our never-ending support towards the community and its wellbeing.”
The MGVM Virtual Marathon is a running event in which participants will be required to complete 5kms, half marathon 21kms, full marathon 42kms as per their registered category and race opted on any day between 4th to 10th January 2021. E- bib for timed athletes will be sent to participants on registration. On completion participants will have to update their timings on a link provided. Runners can also opt for medal & a T- shirt at the time of registration. The results will be declared on 15th Jan 2021 after verification. Participants can use any running apps like Strava, Google Fit, Garmin, Run-keeper Nike Running to record their participation. There is no Registration fee for Divyang athletes, school and college students.
The MGVM Virtual Marathon also encourages walkers, and a special category has been created for the Virtual Run Ambassadors, made up of regular runners and Pacers of the earlier marathons. Special discounts have been offered to the VRAs. Those not finishing their categories in allotted cut off times will be awarded a walker certificate.
The MG Vadodara International Marathon is ranked in the top 10 of India's marathon majors having a history of attracting elite and professional runners from all over the country as well as from abroad, along with citizens from all walks of life across Gujarat and India. With over 1,00,000 registrations in the 2020 edition the MGVM has established itself as India's largest city marathon and promises to be even larger in the forthcoming editions.
Vadodara Marathon dedicates the “MGVM Virtual Marathon 2021” to all the frontline medical workers, emergency personnel, essential services personnel, and all the patients battling the virus currently, those who have recovered and the families of those who have lost their lives toCovid-19.
MG Vadodara International Marathon, keeping in line with its tradition of Sports-Seva-Swacchata has contributed to the nation's battle against COVID19 by undertaking special initiatives during the period. These include social aid as the regular distribution of masks and food supplies to Safai Karmcharis of the VMC, Vadodara police personnel and deprived citizens at the height of the pandemic. Noteworthy, is the donation of two Ventilator machines to the Narhari Amin Hospital recently. The MGVM has also put into practice the 'Chalo Recharge Karein' campaign, an initiative to recharge ground water levels at specific areas of Vadodara, for water conservation. The initial ongoing project is at the Manjalpur Sports Stadium.
The MGVM Virtual Marathon also aims to set new benchmarks in runner’s participation encouraging the message of self preservation through social distancing norms while completing their races. The world cannot come to Vadodara this year, so we will bring the Vadodara Marathon to the world through a virtual experience that captures the spirit, community, and celebration of the race.
