GOPALPUR,(YNS): As part of the ongoing Gopalpur Beach Festival, a 10-kilometre marathon was organized by the district administration. The marathon was flagged off at 7:00 AM by District Collector Shri V. Keerthi Vasan, Superintendent of Police, Ganjam, Shri Shubendu Kumar Patra, Superintendent of Police, Berhampur, Dr. Shravana Vivek M, and Commissioner, Berhampur Municipal Corporation, Shri Prathamesh Arvind Rajshirkhe.
In the men’s category, Ashok Dandasena, serving with the Odisha Police 8th Reserve Battalion, Bhanjanagar, secured first place, followed by Rashmi Ranjan Nayak of Cuttack district in second place and Geenu Raita of Gajapati district in third place.
In the women’s category, Pinki Sahu of Bhubaneswar secured first place, while Sandhyarani Behera and Radharani Behera of Berhampur Physical Academy secured second and third places respectively.
A grand prize distribution ceremony was held at the main Gopalpur beach, where District Collector Shri Vasan, Superintendent of Police Shri Patra, and senior officers of Gopalpur Army AD College congratulated all participants and presented the winners with cash prizes and certificates. The prize money awarded was ₹12,000 for first place, ₹8,000 for second place, and ₹5,000 for third place.
On the occasion, patriotic songs were beautifully performed by the Gopalpur Army AD College.
The marathon, which commenced from Dura Junction, witnessed participation from approximately 670 runners. Local residents lined both sides of the route and enthusiastically encouraged the participants.
