PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE
Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and among the top 10 silver producers globally, successfully hosted the 3rd edition of the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon in Zinc City – Udaipur. In its biggest edition yet, the marathon witnessed an overwhelming response with over 9,700 runners across its on-ground and virtual formats, marking a nearly 45 per cent surge in participation over the previous edition and reinforcing its growing stature on India’s running calendar.
Touted as ‘India’s Most Beautiful Marathon’, the event brought together runners from across India and overseas across the 21.097 km half marathon, 10 km and 5 km categories. The marathon also featured a special Champions Race showcasing enthusiastic participation from communities across rural Rajasthan and Udaipur and students of Shiksha Sambal, Hindustan Zinc’s flagship education initiative. From competitive athletes and seasoned marathoners to first-time runners, senior citizens, women-led fitness communities, corporate teams and specially-abled participants, the third edition reflected the growing appeal of running as a sport that transcends age, ability and background.
The three categories were flagged off by Manna Lal Rawat, Udaipur MP, Gaurav Srivastav, IGP Udaipur Range, Gaurav Agarwal, Udaipur collector and others along with Arun Misra, GCEO Vedanta Group and Amarendu Prakash, CEO, Hindustan Zinc Limited, among others.
Prakash said, “Seeing over 9,700 runners come together in Udaipur is a powerful reflection of how far this marathon has come in just three editions. Through Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon, Hindustan Zinc brings together the energy of sport, the beauty of Udaipur and the collective spirit of its people. Our ambition is to see India’s Most Beautiful Marathon emerge among the country’s most sought-after running experiences and take the spirit of Zinc City to the world.”
Mukesh Kumar emerged victorious in the men’s 21.097 km Half Marathon, clocking an impressive 1 hour, 8 minutes and 47 seconds, while Pooja topped the women’s category with a timing of 1 hour, 26 minutes and 9 seconds. In the 10 km race, Tehender claimed the men’s title in 32 minutes and 1 second, while Kumari Parru led the women’s field with a strong finish of 36 minutes and 49 seconds.
