Patnitop Hill Marathon, as part of 'Fit India Movement', was today flagged off in five separate groups from the picturesque health resort of Patnitop, early this morning today.To meet Covid norms, the marathon run was segregated in different categories ranging from 42-km run to 5-km and flagged off from Padora in presence of Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Mussarat Islam, Director Tourism, Jammu, Vivekananda, SSP, Ramban, PD Nitya, CEO, PDA, Sher Singh, ADC Ramban Harbans Lal and AD Tourism, Umesh Shan.Majority of Runners were tourists from different parts of the country representing a cross-section of all age groups who ran their heart out in 42.2Km, 21.1Km, 30 Km, 10Km and 5 Km categories.Almost all the senior officers on the occasion participated in the run to promote the theme of Fit India.Inspired by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s ‘Fit India Movement’, Kapil Arora ,Brand Ambassador of Fit India Movement hailing from Jammu (settled in Mumbai) and Sanjog Katoch of Doda organized the marathons in collaboration with District Administration, Ramban, J&K Tourism Department and Patnitop Development Authority (PDA) with sponsorship from leading business houses.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC Ramban said that the marathon is a cue from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 'Fit India Movement' and is a precursor to the World Tourism Day on September 27 which will be celebrated across the UT. He highlighted the need for holding such promotional events on regular intervals to showcase the huge tourism potential of Patnitop health resort and adjoining health spots like Sanasar, Natha Top and Batote to give fillip to the local economy.While chairing the concluding session, the Director Tourism said the marathon was of a national standard in which many professionals, amateurs and members of several Runner Clubs including men and women and fitness freaks ranging from children to elderly groups participated with enthusiasm. He asserted that the event was organized to boost tourism in the area and encourage people to keep themselves fit. He assured that more sports and cultural events will be organized in future to attract tourists to the Patinitop.The participants and mediapersons also enjoyed a ride on the Cable Car at Padora.Lastly, the top three winners - Men and Women of the Marathon in all categories were presented mementoes and gifts by the sponsors.