Over 15000 Runners Participate in Fourth Western Naval Command Navy Half Marathon in Mumbai

Over 15000 Runners Participate in Fourth Western Naval Command Navy Half Marathon in Mumbai

The fourth edition of the Indian Oil Western Naval Command Navy Half Marathon was conducted on 17th November 2019 as part of Navy Week 2019. This year, the event was flagged off from Ballard Estate, Mumbai in the vicinity of the Naval Dockyard, underlining the connection between the Indian Navy and the city’s historical maritime heritage. The event was organised by the Indian Navy along with principal sponsor Indian Oil. Over 15000 enthusiastic runners participated in the event with “josh” and vigour under three race categories – the 21.1 Km Aircraft Carrier Run, a 10 Km Destroyer Run, and a 5 Km Frigate Run. The Half Marathon - one of the many outreach activities conducted by the Western Naval Command as part of the Navy Day - has grown exponentially in the last three years since its inception, and is today the 2nd largest running event in Mumbai and 5th largest in India. The 2019 event provided a golden opportunity for the civilian populace to run shoulder-to-shoulder with the men and women in white, as they matched “Stride to Stride with Pride”

Rear Admiral G Srinivasan, Admiral Superintendent Naval Dockyard Mumbai flagged off the Aircraft Carrier run from Ballard Bunder. Shri Sanjay Barve IPS, Commissioner of Police Mumbai, Mr Subodh Dakwale ED/ IOCL and other senior dignitaries of IOCL who were present as Guests of Honour, flagged off the Destroyer Run and Frigate Run and gave away prizes.

Admiral Srinivasan expressed his satisfaction on the smooth conduct of the event and said “Western Naval Command organises this race every year to promote camaraderie and establish a connect between the Naval personnel and our civilian brethren, while at the same time promoting health and fitness, and showcasing the Navy. The fact that 15000 excited runners have turned up for the race and are going away happy and contended after participating in the Race, is proof that we have been successful in our endeavour. Every man, woman and child who has turned up today for the run is a winner. Let us continue to strive together in the same manner for a healthy, fit, and united India.”

The Indian Navy and Indian Oil provided every participant with a memorable Race Day experience. Each registered participant received a high quality dry-fit t-shirt and a finishers’ medallion, in addition to the abundant hydration/ nutrition/ medical/ recovery support provided during and after the race. The winners in each race category received specially handcrafted mementos embodying a nautical flavour to remind them of their association with the Marathon and the maritime heritage of Mumbai. All finishers were individually felicitated by Men and Women in uniform, making it a proud moment for them. Raj Kumar, Mukesh Moond and Roshan Borade were the winners in Aircraft Carrier Run, Destroyer Run and Frigate Run (Men -open category).  Arti Deshmukh and Shridevi Mhatre broke the event track record in Aircraft Carrier Run and Destroyer Run female respectively.

M/s Indian Oil Corporation Limited was the Principal Sponsor for the event. The Associate Sponsors were The Times of India, Mastercard, Mazagon Dock Limited, SBI, & Nyati. M/s YouTooCanRun helped the Indian Navy organise this mega event as the Race Management Partner.