Panvel Hill Marathon Gets Massive Response With 6,000 Runners Registered For First Kharghar Hill Event

The Panvel Municipal Corporation's hill marathon, initially denied by CIDCO due to safety concerns, has garnered significant interest from runners across the nation. With 6,000 participants already registered, organizers anticipate the number to reach 10,000 for the inaugural event on Kharghar Hill. The 42-kilometer race, set for Sunday, August 23, will traverse 31 kilometers of Kharghar's roads and 11 kilometers of challenging hill terrain, making it the first full-distance hill marathon in the country.

Five categories - 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, 5 km, and 3 km - have been introduced to cater to varying participant abilities. The marathon has already caught the attention of national-level athletes, including Gurinderveer Singh, one of India's fastest sprinters, who will compete in the 100-metre event. Recognizing the unique challenges of the hill terrain, PMC has prioritized safety measures, with CIDCO playing a crucial role in securing the permit after facing initial opposition.

Despite these efforts, civic activists in Mira-Bhayander have called for live streaming of civic meetings to enhance transparency in governance. The administration is working diligently to ensure a safe and successful event, with preparations underway under the guidance of Dr Vaibhav Vidhate, the deputy municipal commissioner, and close monitoring by the municipal commissioner, Mangesh Chitale.