বাংলায় পড়ুন
The fifth edition of Airtel Run for Education, the first one for the season in Kolkata kicked off on Sunday from City Centre I, Salt Lake. Over 8,000 participants got together for the event.
A joint initiative by Bharti Airtel and Round Table India, the event comprised runners in three categories – 21 km, 10 km and 5 km. To encourage participants, medals were awarded to finishers of all categories.
While the 21 km run was flagged off at 5.15 am, the 10 km and 5 km categories began at 6 am and 7.45 am, respectively.
While actor and VJ was the main attraction, also present at the venue were Sameer Anjaria, CEO, Bharti Airtel Ltd, West Bengal and Odisha and Akshay Duggar, national secretary Round Table India, among others.
The day started off with the blowing of conch shell (shankh) that gave a nice traditional touch to the commencement of the half-marathon which has witnessed a record registration.
Another added attraction this year was the introduction of 3D flythrough maps customised to every runner – an innovative technology that will let them relive this whole running experience. It covers the photos of the runners at some spots of the route beginning from Salt Lake City Centre I to the Bishwa Bangla gate and back. The virtual Run Page will contain each runners photos, digital medal, results and more.
People from all walks of life partook in the run spreading awareness about the benefits of running.
Interestingly, funds raised from the event would be used in developing infrastructure of needy schools. The funds from the last four editions i.e. 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 were used towards building classroom facilities in Sarada Sishu Mandir (Tanterberia, Howrah), Katadanga Arya Jatiya Vidyalaya (Katadanga), Champdani Ram Dulari Hindi High School (Champdani) and Fort Gloster Prathmik School, respectively. This year the recipient would be Saraswati Shishu Mandir (Kanchdiha).
