Overcast sky, slight drizzle and an enthusiastic crowd! The ‘Tirupati Half Marathon’, also called ‘Swachhata Run’, had all the elements of a great long-distance running race.
The event, organised by the NEB Sports Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. in association with DEEP (Disease Eradication through Education and Prevention), witnessed 5,500 runners from various States, who took part in the 21K, 10K and 5K Swachh Bharat Run categories, right from the early hours of Sunday. Several cultural programmes, which included peppy dance numbers by youngsters, added to the frenzied atmosphere at the Sri Venkateswara University’s (SVU) Tarakarama Stadium.
The precipitation had no effect on the participants as both the young and the old took part in the event with much fun and frolic. Elated over the massive turnout, Chittoor District Collector P.S. Pradyumna opined that with such continued cooperation from the people, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s dream of ‘Aarogya Andhra Pradesh’ would become a reality.
He said more such events would be held to spread awareness on fitness activities and how it would help the people in adapting a healthier lifestyle.
‘Happy Sunday’ event
Mr. Pradyumna also said they would soon be introducing ‘Happy Sunday’ event in Tirupati. Mr. Naidu’s message for the participants was also displayed at the venue. Tirupati Urban SP Abhishek Mohanty, TTD CVSO A. Ravikrishna and MCT Commissioner C. Hari Kiran took part in the 10K run, while other officials covered shorter distances.
Later, cash prizes along with medals were distributed for those who secured the first, second and the third places in the age group and race categories. Others were also given medals for their participation, which eventually turned into a selfie fest.
