Photo Caption: ‘iRun for a new life’, Hiranandani Thane Half Marathon 2015

With new flyovers and other critical infrastructure works getting completed, Thane, as a city and a real estate destination, is ‘packing a punch’. When it comes to health consciousness, as also supporting noble causes, citizens of Thane proved that they too have ‘come of age’, with the large participation in the Hiranandani Thane Half Marathon 2015. The event was held at Hiranandani Estate, Thane on 15 February 2015, under the aegis of Athletics Federation of India.

With the theme, ‘iRun for a new life’, Hiranandani Thane Half Marathon 2015 had four categories in this edition: Half Marathon – 21.097 km, Green Run – 10 km; Dream Run – 4 km and Junior Run – 3 km, said Niranjan Hiranandani, MD, Hiranandani Constructions Pvt Ltd (HCPL).

Anil Pawar winner for 21kms, second runner up L Baba Chandar and third runner up Sunil Prasad.

“This year, the race had twin objectives: charity and organ donation. The registration fee collected from participants will be donated to a charitable institution doing social work,” said Niranjan Hiranandani. “OXFAM India, Buniyaad and Concern India Foundation were Charity Partners this year,” he added.

The race also takes up a cause in the social sphere every year, pointed out Niranjan Hiranandani, and this year we chose the cause of Organ Donation. “Hiranandani Thane Half Marathon, 2015 supported Organ Donation, Mohan Foundation was the Organ Donation Partner.” he added.

“Hiranandani Thane Half Marathon 2015 was an initiative to awaken residents of Thane about the importance of maintaining their health and lifestyle. With busy schedules, work pressure and hectic lifestyles, we see that citizens tend to neglect their health. The ‘Hiranandani Thane Half Marathon 2015’, in a way, was a health wake-up call for residents,” said Niranjan Hiranandani. He added that Hiranandani Hospital was the Health Partner for the event; BAYER was the Associate Sponsor while ICICI Bank Home Loans was the Banking Partner. Striders, Times Red Cell, Rhythmic Running and Gurukul Sports Foundation were the Knowledge Partners while Haiko Supermarket was the Refreshments Partner.

“More than just health consciousness, it also took into account the urgent need for increased public awareness regarding organ donation. Greater effort needs to be taken to dispel public concerns regarding the same. Organ donation can give a new twist to tragedy, and the message that went out through the event was that everyone can take a step towards making someone’s life better, by thinking positively about donating our organs – and taking concrete steps in the direction,” he added.

Those who because of the event, were motivated to register as organ donors, have taken up the thought in the right spirit – we have 2002 donors who have enrolled for organ donation, that is a race well run indeed,” concluded Niranjan Hiranandani.