Prateek Laurel: 'Run for Life' marathon organised to promote healthy lifestyle

Noida: A five kilometer marathon named 'Run for Life' was organised by Prateek Laurel a residential society in Sector 120, Noida on April 3, 2022. The marathon was a success as more than 100 people from all age groups participated in it with enthusiasm and energy.

The marathon started at 5.30 am from the back gate of the Prateek Laurel society. All the runners were divided into three batches. The first batch was flagged off at sharp 5.30 am, followed by the second batch at 5.40 am and the third batch at 5.50 am. These ten minute intervals were taken to avoid any kind of traffic congestion and also to maintain social distancing. Water and medical facility were also made available at various spots.

Prabhat Vats, AoA President of Prateek Laurel says, “The main motive of organising this marathon was that not to organise a hardcore marathon, but an easy run, where people can be encouraged to get out of their homes. Such events are quite regular in our society to promote healthy lifestyles and we will keep organising them. In August, we plan to organise a marathon with 5 kilometres, 10 kilometres, 15-kilometre milestones."

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He continues, “Marathon is running for a purpose and our theme was 'run for life'. Our sponsors distributed orange tee-shirts to the volunteers and our doctors were also on duty in case of any injury.

Aditi Joshi (36), a participant and a resident of the society says, “We started with a warm-up, and after our sponsors distributed orange t-shirts, we began the marathon. This was a successful event and I was happy to see people of all age groups participating in it."

Piyush Chamoli (32), a resident and member of Sports and Fitness Committee of the soceity says, “The youngest volunteer in this marathon was 10 years old and the eldest one was 75 years old. We are the first ones to organise this kind of marathon. Residents of nearby societies were seen surprised and said that they will also plan such kind of event."

Kapil Verma (40), a member of PL AoA Sports and Fitness Committee says, “Main aim was to attain and aware the people about health and fitness as people gets inspired by these kinds of events. Everyone was out there to get rid of unhealthy lifestyle and start afresh a new and healthy way of living.”

Dr Ajay Sirohi, a resident of the society and the critical care specialist at Sir Gangaram Hospital, is also a marathon runner and cyclist. He was running along with all the runners, to be avaliable in case of any injury and to provide prompt medical assistance. “It was nice to see the people coming out from their shells. There is no doubt that after Covid, people are more conscious about their health. As I am a critical care specialist and lots of elderly were running that day, I was fully prepared to combat any odd situation. But it is good that noting as such happened."

Chandni Mahajan, a resident and sponsor at PLAOA/Sports and Fitness Committee says, "After receiving such warm support and encouragement of our senior residents, we have plans to hold such a marathon once in every quarter with an even more improved planning. We expect more participation from our residents, which will go a long way to help keep us all fit and healthy."

The young brigades of Prateek Laurel AOA, Saksham Tyagi, Tarun, Deepsikha, Raj sen, Piyush, and Romita volunteered as active members of the health and fitness committee took the lead in arranging this event. Residents have also presented a special thanks to all the sponsors- Mart n More, Arthh Foundation NGO and Pihu Dental Care for enabling them to complete the event. A special mention was also presented for E-Rickshaw operators who were present to assist in any kind of mishap.