Aska: A young marathoner performed a remarkable feat by running from Gopalpur beach to Aska, a distance of 70 km, in six- hours and nine minutes Sunday.
Rajiv Lochan Goud (24), a member of Ganjam Judo Association, broke his previous record of covering the distance in eight hours.
With an aim to motivate and encourage young runners, Goud took up the mission with permission from the district administration. District sports officer Akshaya Kumar Pattnaik was present at the beach when Goud kicked-off his marathon at 7.15 AM. However, when he was running on National Highway-59 near Hinjilicut he suddenly fell sick and was admitted to the local hospital.
Doctors conducted a check-up and advised him to take rest. But, Goud defied the advice and soon resumed running for his destination. He completed his run when he reached Khambeshwari shrine here at 1.34PM. Higher education minister Pradip Panigrahi, members of Khallikote stadium sports hostel and Kalinga fight school separately felicitated him at various places during his run.
People from Kukudakhandi, Hinjilicut, Nalaba and Kalasandhapur were found standing on both sides of the road and cheering for him. Later, he was felicitated by Aska Traders’ Association, Lion’s Club, Ama Police Samiti and Haripur high school centenary committee here for his achievement.
The event was organised under the supervision of Raghab Kumar Nahak, secretary of Ganjam Judo Association, with assistance from Satyanarayan Swain, Banshidhar Nahak, Kabiraj Swain and Ramachandra Bishoyi.
Goud said he is yet to get a job after graduation but undertook the marathon to inspire young talents in rural areas. PNN
