NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde leads the charge, completing 21 km

The city witnessed a remarkable display of enthusiasm and commitment to cleanliness as over 6,000 citizens participated in the highly successful Swachh Navi Mumbai Half Marathon, held along the scenic Palm Beach Road. The event, aimed at promoting cleanliness and wellness, became a resounding success thanks to the spirited involvement of residents, government officials, and special groups, including differently-abled individuals.

The half marathon, which kicked off at 5:30 AM sharp, saw Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde leading the way in the 21 km category.

Dr. Shinde not only ran the distance but also spread the vital message of cleanliness to the participants. “I am incredibly proud of the citizens of Navi Mumbai for their enthusiastic participation. This event is a significant step towards making our city cleaner and healthier,” Dr. Shinde said after completing the race.

Krishna Prakash, Chief of Maharashtra Police’s Force One, was also among the notable participants, successfully completing the 21 km marathon. Several other prominent city officials, including Commissioner Jayant Jawadekar, Deputy Commissioner of the Administration Department Sharad Pawar, and Additional Commissioner Sunil Pawar, joined in the spirit of the event by completing the 10 km and 5 km runs.

The marathon, held in various categories including 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km, attracted a diverse range of participants. Among the notable inclusions were over 150 transgender citizens, 50 differently-abled individuals, more than 40 people with autism, and over 50 blind participants.

The special 1 to 3 km run, aimed at inclusivity, saw several disabled participants in the 5 km group, with some blind runners also competing in the 10 km and 21 km categories. More than 500 school students took part, showcasing the community's widespread support for the event.

In terms of performance, Akshay Padwal emerged as the winner of the 21 km men's category, completing the race in 1 hour, 13 minutes, and 54 seconds, while Sujata Mane clinched the women’s title with a time of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 12 seconds. In the 10 km category, Omkar Baiker and Komal Khandekar took top honours in the men's and women's categories, respectively.

The event also saw an awards ceremony where prizes were presented in four age categories: 18-35, 36-45, 46-54, and 55+, with three winners in each category. The dignitaries who handed out the awards included Dr. Kailas Shinde, Sunil Pawar, City Engineer Shirish Ardavad, and Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management Dr. Ajay Gadade.

The winners in the women’s category were honoured by Mrs. Revathi Kailas Shinde and Richa Samit, the head of Let’s Celebrate Fitness. The occasion was further graced by prominent figures such as actors Hemant Dhone, Kshiti Jog, Manmeet Pem, and the world-renowned bodybuilder Suhas Khamkar, who also presented awards to some of the winners.

Dr. Shinde expressed special appreciation for the inspiring participation of people with disabilities, noting that their involvement demonstrated resilience and determination. “Their participation serves as a powerful example for all of us. It proves that with determination, we can overcome any challenge,” he said.

The Swachh Navi Mumbai Half Marathon was not just a sporting event but also a vital initiative to promote a cleaner and healthier city. The event's slogan, ‘Nishcha Kela, No. 1’, resonated deeply with participants, reinforcing the city’s commitment to cleanliness and sustainability.

With more than 6,000 participants and an array of categories designed for inclusivity, the event was a resounding success in raising awareness for a cleaner, healthier Navi Mumbai.