Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala has organised its maiden ‘Land of Legends’ marathon on 03 Dec 2017. The marathon was conducted to commemorate the Navy Week celebrations. Indian Navy celebrates every year as the Navy Day to commemorate the daring missile attack by Indian Naval warships on Karachi Harbour during the 1971 war against Pakistan and in memory of the sacrifices made by Naval personnel towards the stunning victory in that war.
The ‘Land of Legends’ marathon is a first of its kind marathon run held inside the Indian Naval Academy Campus at Ezhimala in Kannur District of Kerala. The event aimed to showcase grandeur and glory of Indian Naval Academy and the glorious history of Ezhimala to the participants.
The maiden marathon received overwhelming response from students of schools and colleges across Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and other states of India, which would act as catalyst to motivate the students to pursue Indian Navy as a career. It is for the first time that a marathon of such magnitude was held at Indian Naval Academy to commemorate the Navy Week celebrations 2017.
Our contingent of 190 cadets and 8 escorting Staff members participated in 5 K run and successfully completed to receive our medals. After successful completion of the run we felt that we are honoured by getting a chance to run in this prestigious event. Our Aptc CHM Krishna Odari ran a distance of 21 KM. At the end of the event the organisers appreciated us as we were the largest in number from a single institution. We had a chance to interact with other cadets of various Sainik Schools like Sainik School Bijapur, Sainik School Nagrota, Sainik School Nalanda and of course Rastriya Military School, Belgaum.
This was a unique event for all the participants as they got a chance to stay in the Naval cadets accommodation and experience the life of a cadet firsthand. With race course running along a scenic route inside the Indian Naval Academy, the participants got a flavour of life at INA even as they attempted the challenging run through winding roads, beach, forest tracks and hills.
The ‘Land of Legends’ marathon was an ideal occasion that provided once in a lifetime opportunity for people from all walks of life to experience and visit the Indian Naval Academy Campus. The ‘Land of Legends’ marathon at INA, Ezhimala was conceptualised as an annual National level event as part of the Navy Week celebrations aimed to promote the culture of fitness, health and the spirit of long distance running.
There were two competitive race categories planned which include, 21.1 km half marathon and 10 km run. There was also a 5 km and 3 km fun run for senior citizens, ladies and children during the event.
Report By: Mr. Raghavendra Raje Urs
