Bhubaneswar has just had a Run-a-thon experience on 10th January! In an attempt to promote physical wellness and a spirit of sports in the state, Tata steel has organized an annual “Tata Steel Bhubaneswar Run-a-thon” event on January 10. This initiative by TATA group suffices the phrase, “new year and new beginnings” to the T and not just this year, but the event will be organized every year to commemorate The National Youth Sports Day.
Registrations were done online at www.tatasteelbhubaneswarrun.com as well as at the registration counters at Kalinga stadium. The marathon event was divided into three categories. Participants in the first category which is half marathon had to cover 21.1 km. The second category was chosen for institutions and corporate houses where runners had to cover 10 km. The last category called for school students who had to cover 5km. All the participants were given RFID chips and a unique BIB number for the same. Participants were required to report at 5:30 AM sharp at Kalinga stadium.
There were awards for all the winners and runner ups in all categories. The respective highest prize money were Rs 1 Lakh, Rs 51,000 and Rs 11,000 for both the winners (men and women categories) of the half marathon, 10 km run and 5 km run. Winners securing second, third and fourth positions in all the aforesaid categories received their respective awards.
Since the 10 km is the specified distance for road races as approved by International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), organizers were provided with all the necessary electronic tracking tools and equipments that are of international standard. The runners got an opportunity to have a world class sporting experience for the first time in their state.
All in all, it was a day to remember for the people of Bhubaneswar!
