Mohammed Sajid
Port Blair, Nov 20: The Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) is all set to organize the mega event ‘MakeMyTrip Andaman Marathon – 2013’ to be held on Sunday the 24th November, 2013.
Bad news is Mr. Milkha Singh will not be able to participate in the Andaman Marathon 2013 because of certain personal problems but the good news is Miss Liza Haydon, famous Indian model turned actress, has confirmed her participation and is expected to run the Half Marathon.
Addressing a press conference at ACCI’s conference room, Mr. Mohammed H. Jadwet, the organizing secretary of Andaman Marathon today said that it is expected that over 600 participants will run in the two events, i.e., Half Marathon and 10-K. The Lt. Governor, Lt. Genl. (Retd.) A. K. Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, will flag off the event at 5.15 AM from the historic Cellular Jail and also present the awards to the winners at the Netaji Stadium at 7.30 AM.
“Mr. Rahul Bose, celebrity film actor, activist and brand ambassador for the event is to arrive on Saturday the 23rd November, 2013 and will also be himself running the 10-K. The event is being organized by the Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry in association with the Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports,” he said.
He requested all the participants, already registered, to collect their kits from the Netaji Stadium on Saturday the 23rd November, 2013 between 9 AM and 5 PM and assemble at Cellular Jail at 5 A.M on the event day.
He added that this year to increase awareness about running, a new event has been introduced, which is 1.5 KM run for fun and fitness. This run will also start from the Cellular Jail at 5.15 AM and concludes at the Netaji Stadium. No registration is required and all are welcome to participate and they will be provided with promotional caps. The Lt. Governor is also expected to run in the 1.5 K run.
“PBMC, Administration is fully supporting the event. PBMC has taken the responsibility of cleaning the roads before and after the event and nearly 150 officials of the administration are voluntarily officiating in the event. Almost 60% of Army and Navy officials will be present in uniform all over the tracks to assist the runners during emergency. Four ambulances are deployed for the purpose, two for the 10 K run and two for the 21 K run,” Mr. G Bhasker, the President of ACCI told media persons.
For the Islanders there is a special cash prize of Rs 20,000 if they turn out to be the winner or the first runner up or second runner up in the Half Marathon. Nearly eight to ten Kenyans and Nigerians have already registered for the event and the officials project that the number will grow up to 20-25.
