Training Partners Become Competitors at the Upcoming Vasai Virar Marathon
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Virar (Maharashtra), Dec 7 (NationPress) Pradeep Singh Choudhary, Mohit Rathore, and Kalidas Hirve, who have been training together for 15 years, will compete against each other in the 12th Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation Marathon, which is scheduled for Sunday. Though they are friends off the course, the three will endeavor to outsmart one another to secure the top prize in the men’s full marathon category.
The race will be inaugurated by Sakshi Malik, a bronze medalist from the 2016 Olympic Games and a Commonwealth gold medalist, at 5:30 am. The event boasts an impressive total prize pool of Rs 58 lakh and is recognized as one of the most prestigious long-distance running events in the nation.
Choudhary expressed, “The route is good, and so is the weather; I aim to surpass my personal best of 2 hours 16 minutes and 55 seconds.”
During a press conference held on Saturday, all elite athletes acknowledged that the Vasai Virar Marathon features one of the best routes in the country. “Except for one elevation, the course is flat, and spectators can expect thrilling performances from us,” stated Rathore, who is participating in this event for the fifth time.
Rathore is a two-time champion and finished as the runner-up last year. In 2022, he set the course record at 2:18.05.
Female athletes participating in the half-marathon are also eager to enhance their personal records. Phoolan Pal, who is racing for the third time at VVMCM, hopes to “renew her rivalry with defending champion Prajakta Godbole.”
Pal, Sonika, and Sakshi Jadyal bring a wealth of national and international experience to the competition.
Karthik Karkera is a noteworthy contender in the men’s half-marathon, having placed 1-2 in two recent events over the past two weeks. “I aim to improve my time of 1:05.53,” he mentioned.
The winner of the full marathon will take home Rs 3 lakh, while the half-marathon champion will receive Rs 2 lakh.
