NSG organises 60km Marathon in homage to Gandhi

NEW DELHI: National Security Guard (NSG), the elite federal contingency commando force, on Thursday organized an ‘Ultra Marathon’ of 60km along with ‘Half Marathon’ of 21km and ‘Run for Fun’ of 8km to homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary. More than 2000 commandos and their family members participated in the mega event organized at the force’s Manesar garrison.
The marathon run was organized on lines of international marathon and endurance challenge and involved the 60 km Ultra Marathon over varied terrain. “It showcased the true spirit of a commando and also displayed the mental tenacity and physical fitness which is the hallmark of NSG,”said an NSG officer.
Commando Rakesh Singh (4:17:44), Commando Pramod Kumar (4:23:16) and Commando Manoj Kumar (4:38:48) stood 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively in the event.
“The famous quote of Mahatma Gandhi, ‘It is the health that is the real wealth and not the pieces of Gold and Silver’ that inspired us to organize this unique event-- ‘Commando Challenge’ which was also a curtain raiser to NSG Raising Day Celebrations,” said an official statement.
A large number of commandos and veterans participated in the ‘Half Marathon’ in which Brig Surender Mehta, DIG (Trg Centre) (1:57:35), Brig Anil Chaudhary, DIG (Communication) (2:24:31) and Maj Gen Moni Chandi, IG (Trg Centre)( 2:39:39), stood 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively.
For the family members, children and veterans, a ‘Run for Fun’ of 8 Km was also organised. The commandos and their family members overwhelmingly participated in the event to make it a grand success, said sources.
On the conclusion of the marathon, NSG DG Jayant Chaudhury administered the oath for “Swachh Bharat” to the commandos and their family members and exhorted them to contribute fruitfully to this noble mission.