How did it all begin

Every great achievement starts with a simple thought. For me, it was the thought of doing something good for the society. Drug abuse is a growing menace in today’s society, and it affects people of all ages and backgrounds. As concerned citizens, we were deeply troubled by the impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and society as a whole. I knew that something needed to be done to address this issue, but I was not sure where to start. That’s when we had a thought – what if we could do something to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promote a drug-free society?

We began researching and brainstorming ideas. We spoke to experts, did our research and talked to people who had been affected by drug abuse. We knew we needed to do something big, something that could reach out to a large number of people and create an impact. And that’s how the idea of a marathon came about. Our goal was simple – to create an event that would bring people together for a cause greater than themselves. We wanted to use the power of a marathon to spread the message of drug abuse prevention and create a community of people who believed in the cause. And with the support of our dedicated team, we were able to do just that.

Planning

The planning process for the marathon was an enormous undertaking, requiring a meticulous and detail-oriented approach. We started from scratch, with the goal of creating an unforgettable experience for all the participants. The first step was to secure the perfect venue, and after much consideration, we decided on the stunning GIFT City in Gandhinagar.We then had to plan out the route for the different race categories, ensuring that it would be challenging yet achievable for the runners. The race director played a crucial role in this process, using their expertise to create a route that would showcase the beauty of the surroundings while also providing an exciting challenge for the participants.

Logistics were another key consideration, and we had to ensure that everything from transportation to security was taken care of. We also had to secure sponsorships to cover the costs of the event, which was no small feat. With the help of our dedicated team, we managed to secure the support of several reputable companies, ensuring that the event would be a success.
Facilities for the runners were a top priority, and we had to ensure that everything from medical assistance to refreshments was provided. We wanted to create an environment where the runners could focus solely on the thrill of the run, without having to worry about any logistical concerns.

Execution

The race execution was an incredible display of passion and dedication, held at the picturesque GIFT City in Gandhinagar. The event featured a wide range of race categories, including the 5kms, 10kms, and 21kms, attracting runners from all over the country. The mastermind behind the success of the event was the renowned race director, Suri Paji, who meticulously organized every aspect of the race, ensuring that the runners could focus solely on the thrill of the run. The event was a celebration of human spirit, with every participant pushing themselves to their physical and mental limits. To add an extra touch of excitement to the event, there were RJs on the ground, energizing the runners with their exuberant commentary. Additionally, Zumba sessions were conducted, getting everyone pumped up and in the right frame of mind to take on the race. The atmosphere was electric, with a sense of camaraderie and solidarity permeating the air.
The highlight of the event was the presence of Major D.P.Singh, India’s first blade runner and a Kargil war veteran, who served as the brand ambassador for the event. His inspiring story of triumph over adversity served as a beacon of hope for all the runners, who were reminded that anything is possible with dedication and hard work.

The event also had significant government support, with both state and central government representatives attending to show their support for the cause including Shri Parshottam Rupala Ji, Honourable Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt. of India and Shri Rushikesh Patel Ji, Honourable Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Higher and Technical Education,
Medical Education, Law & Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Govt. of Gujarat

The event was truly inclusive, with a 5kms run organized especially for the specially-abled children. The media turned out in huge numbers to cover the event, capturing every moment of the race and the excitement in the air. Runners were treated to delicious and nutritious snacks after the run, and the joyous prize distribution ceremony that followed was a fitting end to an unforgettable day.

In addition to organizing the logistics and facilities for the event, we also had an extensive marketing plan in place. We recognized the importance of reaching out to as many people as possible, to ensure that the event would be a huge success. To that end, we embarked on an outdoor marketing campaign, using hoardings and leaflets to spread the word about the marathon. We also launched several social media campaigns, leveraging the power of the internet to reach a wider audience. We reached out to influential people and organizations to promote the event, highlighting the cause and the impact that it could have. This helped to generate buzz around the event and encouraged more people to sign up.

What’s Next?

The marathon turned out to be a huge success with more than 15000 runners from all over the country and we were overwhelmed by the response. It was a delight to receive testimonials from our happy runners. Despite the many challenges we faced during the planning process, we were able to pull off an incredible event, thanks to the dedication and hard work of our team. It was a true testament to the power of collaboration, and we were proud to have created an event that brought people together for a worthy cause. The race execution was a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit, bringing people together for a worthy cause. The energy, excitement, and enthusiasm that pervaded the event were contagious, leaving a lasting impression on all those who attended. It was an event that will be remembered for years to come, a true celebration of the human spirit.

We recognize that this is just the beginning of a long journey. There is still much work to be done to create awareness amongst the youth and to encourage healthy and positive lifestyle choices. We are committed to continuing our efforts and organizing similar events in the future, to build on the momentum that we have created. We are grateful to everyone who participated in the event and supported us in our mission. Together, we can make a positive impact on the society and create a better future for generations to come.