9th Edition of the MG Vadodara International Marathon on 5th January 2020

by Shrutee K/DNS

New Delhi, January 2, 2020: With building anticipation, Vadodara awaits for the 9th Edition of the MG Vadodara International Marathon on 5th January 2020. The nation’s biggest marathon returns with the Full Marathon (42.195 kms), Half Marathon (21.098 kms), Quarter Marathon (10.5 kms), Inox Divyang Paralympic Run, Linde Swacchata Run, Rameshwar Transport Jawan Run, AU Bank NGO Pledge Run and Marathon Relay.

The total number of registrations for the MG Vadodara International Marathon this year is 1,00,187 registered runners. This includes 57 international runners, 23294 corporate runners, 1708 divyang participants, 37,390 School runners, 10,285 College goers and 21,606 participants from NGOs. This year also has the highest number of Timed Run registrations touching a peak with 9575 registrations.

The 9th edition of the MG Vadodara Marathon will be flagged off by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Bhai Rupani, giving the race the unique distinction of being the race flagged off by the Chief Minister of Gujarat on all editions. The timed runs will be flagged off by the Hon’ble Minister of Cooperation, Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities, Transportation; Government of Gujarat, Shri Ishwarsinh Patel. The Hon. Speaker of Gujarat Legislative Assembly Shri Rajendra Trivedi and Shri Yogesh Patel, Hon. Minister of State, Narmada, Urban Housing will also be present at the Flag Off.

The presence of our new Brand Ambassador Padmashree Dr. Deepa Malik, Khel Ratna Arjuna Awardee and paralympic athlete will add further sparkle to the flag off of the MG Vadodara International Marathon this year.

Speaking on the highlights of this year’s marathon Smt. Tejal Amin, Chairperson of the MG Vadodara International Marathon, said, ‘In the 9th year of this historic race of Vadodara we are excited to welcome back our established champions from all over the nation and the world. Their return is testimony to the tradition and legacy that is the Vadodara Marathon. Our commitment to a fit nation is echoed in our theme for 2020 which carries forward the message of our Hon. Prime Minister for Fitness in every household. We have been successful in making this cause popular as judged from the success of our two activities, the Vamo Fit Step and the Junior Marathon. Vadodara Marathon is once again at the forefront of making this initiative an accepted one”. 

The VaMo Fitstep Challenge has been a resounding success on ground and on social media involving the participation of homemakers, Corporate sector professionals, schools and institutes from all age groups. The MGVM2020 Junior Marathon was organized to promote fitness amongst small children and had 4500 tiny tots running with enthusiasm. The Junior Marathon was flagged off by the Hon. Mayor of Vadodara City Smt. Jigishaben Sheth.

Mr. Manish Manek, Chief Plant Officer – Halol Plant, MG Motor India, said, “Our third consecutive year of sponsoring the Vadodara International Marathon underlines our commitment to promoting fitness in the communities close to where our manufacturing facility is located. The aim is to contribute towards a healthy society in and around Vadodara, which is where most of our employees are also located. We are proud to promote and celebrate the spirit of running, fitness and healthy living as the primary sponsor of this landmark event in the country’s national sporting calendar. We look forward to building awareness around key aspects of health and diversity, as well as green mobility and sustainability.” 

The fitness and wellbeing of our athletes have always been at the topmost of our priorities. The MG Vadodarara Marathon has arranged special fitness checkups for the runners and categorized those who may need extra attention on race day with a redcross stamp.  On race day, The MG Vadodara International Marathon is setting new benchmarks in runner’s comfort by introducing more medical booths, upgraded after race recovery zones and more monitoring stations. 

Supported by the Sports Authority of India and the Sports Authority of Gujarat, this AFI and AIMS accredited race is set to make history again on Sunday expecting a record attendance.

It is a matter of pride that MG Vadodara International Marathon has been invited to be part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group Qualifying Events giving runners a chance to win World Ranking Points. With this entry the MGVM 2020 enters an elite group of international marathons which include the Tokyo, Boston, Virgin Money London, BMW BERLIN, Bank of America Chicago and TCS New York City Marathons.

About MG Motor India: Founded in the UK in 1924, Morris Garages vehicles were world-famous for their sports cars, roadsters, and cabriolet series. MG vehicles were much sought after by many celebrities, including the British Prime Ministers and even the British Royal Family, for their styling, elegance, and spirited performance. The MG Car Club, set up in 1930 at Abingdon in the UK, has thousands of loyal fans, making it one of the world’s largest clubs for a car brand. MG has evolved into a modern, futuristic and innovative brand over the last 95 years. MG Motor India has its car manufacturing plant at Halol in Gujarat.