Punit Balan Group (PBG) | Pune: 10,000 athletes to participate in Punit Balan Group’s ‘Apla Pune Marathon Season-4’
Competition to take place on October 20
Pune: Over 10,000 runners have registered their names for the ‘Apla Pune Marathon Season-4’ organised by Punit Balan Group (PBG). The ‘Apla Pune Marathon Season-4’ has become one of the most prestigious runs in the city due to the overwhelming response of Puneites.
The marathon run has been jointly organised by the Pune Police, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police, the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporations, the PMPML and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
The aim behind the run is to encourage the youth in Pune to keep fit and to follow a positive life style. The motto of the marathon is ‘Say no to drugs, yes to run’. The objective of the marathon is to spread awareness about a healthy lifestyle and to lead a life free of drugs through sports and fitness.
The organisation of the run
The ‘Apla Pune Marathon Season-4’ will be held between 4 am and 10 am on Sunday (October 20) at the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex. The run will have the 42-km full marathon, 21-km half marathon, 10-km run and 5-km joy run categories. This will provide an opportunity from experienced to new runners.
All participating runners have been invited to visit a marathon expo and for the distribution of bibs from 10 am to 5 pm on October 19 at the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex. Sponsors have organised various programmes on the occasion, which can be enjoyed by participants.
Hydration stations will be set up on the marathon route at regular distances. Medical teams will also be deployed all along. Moreover, enthusiastic volunteers will help participants. Live music and cheer zones will cheer up runners. Participants can take memorable selfies at the Finisher Selfie Station.
Special run for social responsibility
A 5-km social run has also been arranged jointly by the Loha Foundation and the Rotary Club. The objective behind this is to spread awareness about social work in society. The novel run will mobilise people from various walks of life to underline the importance of social service and power of collective efforts. Money raised through the programme will be donated for social welfare. Thus, every participant can contribute to a better society.
Felicitation of IPS Krishna Prakash
IPS Krishna Prakash is the Honorary Race Director of the programme. He is known for fitness and implementation of law. He is the first Indian civilian to complete the Iron Man Triathlon and the Race Across the West. His presence will encourage participants to push their limits and to follow a healthy lifestyle.
Rs 18-lakh worth attractive prizes
The credibility of the Apla Pune Marathon is very high due to the recognition extended by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). Participants can win various prizes totally worth Rs 18 lakh. This will attract the best runners and will create an atmosphere for a high-level competition.
Comrades Finishers Celebration
The 125 winners of the Apla Pune Marathon 2024 will be felicitated on the occasion of this year’s marathon run. These runners are an inspiration for others not only for their win but also for their dedication. Local influencers encouraging the run culture in Pune will also be honoured.
“Encouraging the ‘Apla Pune Marathon’ is not just encouraging a marathon run. It is a step towards the direction of building a healthy society and infusing enthusiasm for fitness among the youth in Pune. An overwhelming response given by the Puneites has boosted our enthusiasm. We will try to provide the best facilities to contestants through this competition.”
- Punit Balan (President, Punit Balan Group, and Chief Sponsor)
