Wrestler Sakshi Malik, a bronze medallist at the 2016 Olympic Games and Commonwealth gold medal winner, will flag off the races at 5.30 am. The event offers a total prize money of Rs 58 lakh and is one of the most prized long-distance running events in the country.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe route is good so too is the climate and I hope to better my timing of 2 hours 16 minutes and 55 seconds,\u201d said Choudhary.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
All the elite athletes who were introduced to the media at a press conference here on Saturday felt that the Vasai Virar Marathon offers one of the best routes in the country. \u201cBarring one elevation, the route is flat and the spectators can look forward to some exciting timings from us,\u201d said Rathore for whom this is a fifth time at this event.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rathore is also a two-time champion and last year\u2019s runner-up. In 2022, he set the course record of 2:18.05.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The woman athletes in the half-marathon too are hoping to improve upon their personal bests. Phoolan Pal, for whom this is the third time at VVMCM, is hoping \u201cto renew her clash with defending champion Prajakta Godbole\u201d.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pal, Sonika and Sakshi Jadyal have a wealth of national and international experience behind them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Karthik Karkera is an interesting runner in the men\u2019s half-marathon. He comes with a 1-2 position in two other events held over the last two weeks. \u201cI hope to improve my timing of 1:05.53,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pal, Sonika and Sakshi Jadyal have a wealth of national and international experience behind them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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