It was a family Sunday for the residents of Noida. Parents along with the kids from several residential pockets including sector 137, 93, 94, 74 and 125 took part in Xpress fitness half marathon. They enthusiastically gathered in large numbers outside Shiv Nadar School (sector 168), the starting point of the marathon.
The runners crossed through the service lane beside Noida and Greater Noida Expressway in Sector 125, 126, and 127 and the run came to an end at the place where it all began.
Sumit Agrawal, the founder of Xpress fitness half marathon, said that the event got a good response from participants as they were 800 in number. "To run is a play, which not only keeps one physically fit but also inculcates discipline among children from an early age. It is important to instil good and healthy habit among children, for which running a fantastic way to teach them," he added.
The marathon was divided into five categories - the Half Marathon (21.1 Km) for 18 years and above, 10km run for 15 years and above, 5km run for 11-year-old and above, 3km solo Sprint Run for 8 years and above and 3km run in teams of two. The 3km team included a couple run as well as parent-child run (for children 4 years and above).
This was also the first ever parent-child run conducted in Noida and three winners across each of the following categories were awarded Kidzania passes.
"It was really fun to take part in the run with my mom. This is the first time we ran together for such a long distance. I am also amazed to see her stamina, which is just like me. These runs should happen frequently," said 12-year-old Amit Sharma.
