Port Blair, Jan 22: The Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Port Blair has initiated an annual event, which is now in its 8th year, titled ‘Andaman Marathon’ with the objective to put the Andaman Islands in the global tourism map to promote and create awareness for a healthy life-style. The tag line is “Swatch Andaman” to create awareness among islander to keep our Islands clean.
The event is being organized in association with the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. Over the years, the event has generated substantial interest not only in the islands but also in other parts of the country as well as internationally.
The Hon’ble Lt. Governor Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd), A&N Islands will be flagging off the event from the historic Cellular Jail on Sunday the 3rd February, 2019 at 0515 hrs. and also distribute the prizes to the winners at 0730 hrs. at the Netaji Stadium.
The Brand Ambassador Shri Rahul Bose noted film actor and sports enthusiast and Major D.P. Singh who is a retired officer of the Indian Army will also participate in the Andaman Marathon 2019. Major DP Singh is a Kargil War veteran and is known as the India's first blade runner.
All arrangements for conducting the Andaman Marathon 2019 on 3rd February, 2019 is on in full swing. This year the expected participants are more than 1600. Andaman Marathon has four events - Half Marathon (21K) – male & female; 10K - male & female; 10 K for seniors - male & female and 10 K - Boys & Girls at a total prize money of Rs.8.70 lakhs. Half Marathon (21 K) is open to all Indians whereas 10K, 10K seniors (50 years for men and 40 years for women) and 10K boys & girls (14 -18 years) are open to only Islanders.
The definition of Islander for this purpose would be residents of the Islands including people who are posted/working or studying. The prize money has been restricted to Indian Nationals/Islanders only. The cutoff date for age calculation is 3rd February, 2019. Parent’s/Guardian’s consent is must for 10 K boys & Girls and ID proof of age is required for registration of all the events.
All participants will be provided bibs fitted with RFID chips which will record the exact time and route of the runner and they can download their certificate from our website www.andamanmarathon.com. All runners who complete the race will be provided with a finisher medal. Tender coconut & light refreshments will also be provided to the runners at stadium. Route map is provided in the registration form and on the website. Water arrangements en-route will also be done for the runners.
The Directorate of Health Services has provided ambulance facility en-route and a team of paramedical staff will be stationed at the finishing point.
The registration fee for students has been highly subsidized. 50 economically weaker section students will be allowed to register in the event free of cost. However, their name has to be sponsored by the Director of Education. The accommodation for outstation students have also been arranged at Netaji Stadium and for that they have to contact the Assistant Director (Sports). Bibs and kits for the runners can be collected from Netaji Stadium on 2nd February, 2019 from 8.00 AM onwards.
Registration for all events are taking place on line at www.andamanmarathon.com and also at ACCI Office (Aberdeen Bazar, above Ananda Restaurant). Registration closes on 29th January, 2019. All participants are requested to be present at Cellular Jail at 5.00 AM on 3.2.1019. Hon’ble Lt. Governor will flag off the events at 5.15 AM sharp.
For the convenience of the participants, Directorate of Shipping will be providing special ferry from Bambooflat to Chatham/Phoenix Bay at 4.00 AM and the Directorate of Transport will be providing special bus services from Shoal Bay/Mannarghat/Wimberlygunj to Bambooflat and from Ferrargunj to Port Blair and from Chidiyatapu/Wandoor to Port Blair and from Chatham/Phoenix Bay to Cellular Jail.
All those who are interested to participate in the events have been requested to register on-line at www.andamanmarathon.com or offline at ACCI Office to avoid last minute rush. All citizen of Port Blair are requested to join hands to make Andaman Marathon 2019 a grand success.