Remarkable victories and community support at Dehradun

In this prestigious AIMS certified and Abbott World Marathon Majors Event, athletes from all walks of life gathered under the theme “Run for Soldiers”. The marathon attracted participants not only from India but also from countries like Nepal, the UK, USA, Thailand, and Spain, making it a truly international affair.

The grand event featured a wide range of race categories, including the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and a 2K fun run for participants of all ages. Notable victories in the Male and Female categories of the Full Marathon went to Mahender Bist and Shashi Mehta, respectively. The top honors in the Half Marathon were claimed by Udit and Diya Bist.

Mahender Bist, displaying incredible stamina and willpower, clocked an impressive time of 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 51 seconds to win the Male Full Marathon. While his performance was extraordinary, he fell just short of the previous course record set at 2 hours, 30 minutes, and 31 seconds. Shashi Mehta took the Female Full Marathon crown with a finishing time of 3 hours, 24 minutes, and 33 seconds, which was equally commendable, although it didn’t break the existing female course record of 3 hours, 8 minutes, and 45 seconds.

One of the standout moments of the marathon was Udit’s extraordinary performance in the Half Marathon. He not only clinched victory in this category but also set a new course record with a jaw-dropping time of 1 hour, 6 minutes, and 16 seconds. The previous record, held by Pramod Singh, was at 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 43 seconds. Udit’s feat displayed his exceptional talent and determination to outdo the competition.

The Second Edition of the Sarmang Dehradun Marathon held a special significance as it was dedicated to honoring the soldiers of the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, and ITBP, as well as the Police forces. The event witnessed the participation of servicemen and women from these units, showcasing their unwavering commitment to their duty and their passion for running.

The Full Marathon was inaugurated by Rear Admiral L. S. Pathania from the National Hydrographic Office (Indian Navy). In a heartwarming gesture, he not only flagged off the event but also laced up his own running shoes to take part in the Half Marathon. This remarkable display of support from the Indian Navy was an inspiration to all present.

The award ceremony was graced by the presence of Mr. Rajesh Mamgain, who serves as the Principal of Maharana Pratap Sports College in addition to being the chief guest. The winners received their well-deserved accolades and celebrated their extraordinary achievements in the presence of a cheering and supportive audience.

The race was expertly directed by RRCA certified race director Anil Mohan, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the event, from start to finish.

A noteworthy aspect of the Second Edition of the Sarmang Dehradun Marathon was the incredible support from the cycling community of Dehradun. These volunteers marshaled and supervised the entire route, providing valuable assistance to the runners throughout the race. Their dedication and assistance played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and success of the event. The collaboration between runners and the cycling community exemplified the spirit of unity and support that makes this marathon truly exceptional.

The Second Edition of the Sarmang Dehradun Marathon was not just a test of endurance but also a tribute to the dedication of our armed forces. The event showcased the power of unity and the indomitable spirit of athletes who came from various corners of the world to run in the picturesque landscape of Dehradun.