Ambernath: More than 4,000 runners participated in the ‘Nagaradhyaksha Varsha Marathon 2026’ organised by the Ambernath Municipal Council’s Sports and Cultural Committee on October 2.

The event was held under the guidance of Municipal Council president Tejashree Karanjule-Patil and on the directions of Chief Officer Umakant Gaikwad. The marathon aimed to promote fitness, health and sports among residents.

The event began with a lamp-lighting ceremony and floral tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Gandhi, former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Dr B R Ambedkar. MLA Dr Balaji Kinikar, former council president Gulabrao Karanjule, vice-president Sadashiv Patil and Additional Chief Officer Dr Mayuresh Bhujbal were among those present.

In the Thane District Open 10-km women’s category, Khushbu Arvind Bhagwat secured first place, followed by Orishma Ashraf Shaikh and Manali Rathod. In the men’s category, Hemanta Nishad finished first, followed by Sandeepkumar Rameshwar and Shivam Yadav.

In the senior citizens’ 2-km women’s category, Kanchan Joshi stood first, followed by Seema Pate and Rajani Srivastava.

Open-category winners received cash prizes of Rs 11,111, Rs 7,777 and Rs 4,444 for the first three positions, along with trophies. Prizes were also awarded in the under-12, under-14 and under-17 categories for boys and girls and the senior citizens’ category.

Participants completing the race received finisher medals. Organisers also provided drinking water, bananas, energy drinks and biscuits along the route.