‘Godavari River Marathon’ from Dec 6

Khammam: State Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy unveiled the poster for the ‘Godavari River Marathon,’ scheduled to be held in Bhadrachalam on December 6. Speaking on Sunday, the minister called for greater efforts to promote the town’s spiritualtourism and sporting potential ahead of the forthcoming Godavari Pushkaralu.

The marathon is being organised by the Hyderabad-based Society for Telangana Runners. Unveiling the poster at his camp office in Khammam, the minister said sporting events aimed at promoting physical fitness while creating awareness about the Godavari Pushkaralu were commendable. He said the event would help highlight the religious and tourism significance of Bhadrachalam and take its importance to a wider national audience.

“Bhadrachalam, closely associated with Lord Rama and the Godavari river, held a special place in the country’s spiritual landscape,” he said. With the next Godavari Pushkaralu approaching, there was a need to accelerate development activities in Bhadrachalam and undertake extensive promotional campaigns to attract devotees and tourists from different parts of the country, he added.

Describing the marathon as more than a sporting event, Ponguleti said it would provide an opportunity to highlight the sanctity of the Godavari, environmental protection, healthy living and the distinctive identity of Bhadrachalam.

The event will feature four race categories — 5 km, 10 km, 21 km and 41 km. The minister appealed to young people to participate in large numbers and make the event a success. Organiser Pannala Harish Reddy said more than 1,500 runners from different states and another 1,000 participants from the erstwhile Khammam district were expected to take part in the marathon.

Organisers Nikhil and Karthik, along with Congress leaders Borra Rajasekhar, Yadavelli Krishna and NelluriBhadrayya, were present on the occasion.

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