Godavari 5K Run 2015

Inaugural Edition of Godavari 5K Run a Grand Success in Rajahmundry

~ Sri. Maganti Muralimohan, Hon’ble Member of Parliament and Smt. Rajani Seshasai, Hon’ble Mayor have flagged off the run
~ More than 4000 runners participated in Godavari 5K run

The Godavari 5K Run made its debut today with a stunning 5k Run successfully concluding in Rajahmundry. The event was designed and developed to promote running as the primary form of fitness along with the objective of celebrating the spirit of Rajahmundry and the legendary river Godavari. Godavari is the lifeline of Rajahmundry and the race was also aimed at spreading the message of “Stop Pollution, Save Godavari”. The Godavari 5 K run is an initiative to bring about a positive change and create awareness about conserving the Godavari River.

The event was flagged off by Shri. Maganti Muralimohan (Hon’ble Member of Parliament) and Smt. Rajani Seshasai, Hon’ble Mayor, Rajahmundry from Pushkar Ghat in Rajahmundry. The race started at 7am with the course running along the banks of river Godavari and finishing at Pushkar Ghat. The event saw participation from celebrities and people from all walks of life who actively came forward to support the cause of fitness and healthy lifestyle. The organizing committee members, Shri. Kali Kondury, Dr. Murali Nannapaneni & Shri. Ram Katikineni were seen mingling with the crowd and motivating the runners who came from across India & Overseas.

The event witnessed overwhelming participation with more than 4000 runners (elite and amateur) taking part in the 5K race. Runners were seen stretching and warming up in preparation for the flag off at the start point. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and festive ambience. Live bands performed to motivate the runners and keep spirits high. The Godavari 5K Run is a first of its kind Timed 5K Run with all participants receiving an RFID chip to measure their individual time. The inaugural event was a grand success with enthusiastic participation by the citizens of Rajahmundry. Scores of runners from across India and overseas have also participated.

Top three finishers in different categories (men, women, veteran, etc.) were awarded cash prizes. All finishers received Finisher Medals and will receive Certificates of Participation. A MAXParticipation Trophy was awarded to GSL Medical College for registering the largest number of participants.

Smt. Rajani Seshasai, Hon’ble Mayor, the city of Rajahmundry said: “We are proud and happy to see such an overwhelming response for Godavari 5K run. With this curtain-raiser event celebrating the spirit of Godavari, Rajahmundry is all geared up to welcome crores of visitors to the forthcoming Godavari Pushkarams in July. I congratulate all the winners and thank all the participants and enthusiastic citizens who came to cheer the runners. We will actively work on reducing pollution levels and take all steps to conserve the Godavari River.”

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Maganti Muralimohan, Hon’ble Member of Parliament said: “This is a wonderful initiative to promote sports, wellness and health for the citizens of Rajahmundry and the State of Andhra Pradesh. We are happy to witness such massive participation in Godavari 5K Run. The objective of the event is to create awareness about healthy lifestyles. I am overjoyed to witness this run helping create a platform for celebrating Rajahmundry on the world map as a potential venue for national and international running events. I congratulate the winners and thank all the participants. I would also like to thank the organizers and the local administration for organizing and putting on such a grand Show in Rajahmundry. With this success, we are determined to organize similar runs at various locations across Andhra Pradesh and promote healthy living.”

Shri Kali Kondury, Spokesperson, Godavari 5K Run 2015 added: “Godavari 5K Run is designed to showcase the splendor of the river Godavari and the city of Rajahmundry. The race provided a much needed platform for runners of all levels from the Rajahmundry area and throughout Andhra Pradesh and the rest of India. We are thankful for the fantastic response from runners. We are grateful to the participants, our beloved MP Shri Maganti Muralimohan for his vision and help in organizing the Godavari 5K Run, Hon’ble Mayor Smt. Rajani Seshasai, the Administration and the Police of Rajahmundry for their support in ensuring a successful event. We also would like thank all our partners for their generous support. With the success of this initiative, we look forward to more such events across Andhra Pradesh, and a bigger and better 2016 edition of Godavari 5K Run.”