Thane Varsha Marathon Returns After Five Years, Draws 25,000 Participants In Grand Celebration

In a vibrant comeback after a five-year hiatus, the 31st Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) Varsha Marathon was held with great enthusiasm on Sunday, attracting over 25,000 participants across 12 categories. The event was jointly organized by the TMC and the Thane District Athletics Association.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with his wife Lata Shinde, flagged off the marathon. Shinde later joined the runners, jogging a short distance to encourage participants.

Pune and Nashik Runners Clinch Top Spots
In the men’s half-marathon (21 km) category, Dharmendra from Pune secured first place, completing the race in 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 41 seconds. In the women’s category, Ravina Gaikwad from Nashik emerged victorious, finishing in 1 hour, 25 minutes, and 46 seconds.

Winners received cash prizes, medals, certificates, and commemorative plaques. The total prize pool amounted to ₹10,38,900, with the top position in the 21 km race earning ₹1 lakh.

Flag-Off with Energy and Inspiration
The marathon carried the slogan “Marathon Thanechi... Urja Tarunaichi” (Thane’s Marathon, Youth’s Energy), reflecting the city’s dynamic spirit. At the inauguration, Eknath Shinde recalled former MP Satish Pradhan, the pioneer of the Thane Varsha Marathon.

“Thane is transforming, and this marathon is inspiring our youth to be part of that change,” said Shinde. He also announced that the TMC aims to plant 2 lakh trees this year and highlighted progress on the Metro project.

Special Runs and Honours
A special 1-km Corporate Run was organized for municipal officers, employees, journalists, and public representatives.

Senior citizens, men and women above 60, participated with enthusiasm in their dedicated categories.

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Swimmers Ayushi Kailash Akhade, Ayush Praveen Tawde, and Manav Rajesh More aged between 13 and 15 who represented India by swimming from England to France, were felicitated.

International Ironman finishers Shaurya Avinash Ambure and Smita Jawale were also honoured.

Symbol of Resilience and Unity
Held after a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s marathon stood as a symbol of resilience and unity. The strong turnout and active community participation reaffirmed Thane’s commitment to health, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment.