Maiden 'Land of Legends' Marathon Concludes at Indian Naval Academy - Navy Week Celebration 2017

The maiden ‘Land of Legends’ marathon conducted by Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala saw over 750 participants from all age groups participate in the four categories of on 03 December 2017. The ‘Land of Legends’ marathon was conducted at INA, Ezhimala to commemorate the Navy Week celebrations. Indian Navy celebrates 04th of December every year as the Navy Day to commemorate the daring missile attack by Indian Naval warships on Karachi Harbour during the 1971 war against Pakistan and in memory of the sacrifices made by Naval personnel towards the stunning victory in that war.

The ‘Land of Legends’ marathon saw participant running the competitive run, namely 21.1 km and the 10 km run along the scenic and picturesque terrains of Ezhimala and the surrounding villages adjacent to Indian Naval Academy. There was also a fun run of 5 km and 3 km for senior citizens, ladies and children during the event.

The 21.1 km competitive run was flagged off at 0600 AM by Vice Admiral SV Bhokare, AVSM, YSM, NM, Commandant and 10 Km competitive run by Rear Admiral MD Suresh, NM, Deputy Commandant. Rear Admiral Amit Vikram, Principal and Commodore Arjun Dev Nair, Principal Director (Training) flagged off the 5 Km and 3 Km fun run respectively. Over 230 school and college students from Sainik School Nagrota, Jammu and Kashmir, Sainik School Kodagu, Karnataka, Sainik School Bijapur, Karnataka and Rashtriya Military School Belagavi, Karnataka and over 40 Naval Officers of the rank of Sub Lieutenant, who are alumnus of INA participated in the event. The event showcased the grandeur and glory of Indian Naval Academy and the glorious history of Ezhimala to the participants. A guided tour of all Academic facilities, Infrastructure, Sporting facilities, laboratories, training facilities and historical places inside INA was also conducted for all the participant of the maiden ‘Land of Legends’ marathon.

In the male open category Cadet Krishan Kumar of INA won the 21.1 km run with a timing of 01 Hr 36 Min and 26 Sec and the 10 km open male category run was won by Master Harshit Kumar with a timing of 46 Min and 15 Sec. In the female category, Ms Asha NS won the 21.1 km open category run with a timing of 2 Hr 13 Min and 44 Sec and the 10 km run was won by Ms Zoya Ziya with a timing of 01 Hr 18 Min and 08 Sec. All finishers were awarded with medals, in addition to special prizes for the top three in each age group and category. The event generated enormous enthusiasm and participation from the civil populace as well as the defence community and was a grand success that aimed to promote the culture of fitness, health and the spirit of long distance running.