Over 13,000 to Participate in Navy Marathon
Visakhapatnam: Over 13,000 participants, including a significant number of foreign nationals, are expected to take part in the highly anticipated 9th edition of the Vizag Navy Marathon (VNM), set to take place on Sunday. This flagship event of the city's Navy Day celebrations promises an exhilarating experience for runners of all levels.
Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar will flag off the event at 4:30 am. A naval official highlighted the opportunity for participants to experience the captivating landscapes of Visakhapatnam while competing in a world-class race. Runners can choose from a full 42-kilometer marathon, a half marathon of 21 kilometers, or shorter 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer routes. The marathon will offer a scenic run along Visakhapatnam’s picturesque coastline, with an attractive prize pool of approximately Rs 10 lakhs to be distributed among winners.
The marathon’s official mascot is the black buck, a symbolic choice that represents both the state animal of Andhra Pradesh and a prominent feature on the crest of INS Visakhapatnam, reflecting the deep connection between the Indian Navy and the region.
Commodore Pradeep Patel, Commanding Officer of INS Kalinga and the marathon’s race organizer, said, “Our goal is to promote a healthier lifestyle while showcasing the breathtaking beauty of our coastal landscape.”
Race start times are category-specific: 4:15 am for the 42 km, 4:30 am for the 21 km, 5:30 am for the 10 km, and 6:15 am for the 5 km. The prize distribution ceremony will commence at 7:00 am. Participants are advised to arrive at the start point one hour before their designated flag-off time. The event also emphasizes environmental responsibility, aligning with the government’s Reduce-Reuse-Recycle policy and committing to maintaining a plastic-free environment.