
PUNE, Nov 30: Dhanraj Raut of Azambhai Pansare Sports won the open category in the 18 km event of the mini-marathon, clocking 57 minutes 16 seconds. The district level race was organised by the Vishwabharati Pratisthan under the aegis of the Pune District Amateur Athletic Association PDAAA.
It was a fierce battle between Dhanraj and Sandesh Shengar as both runners kept within close range of each other throughout the race, with the lead changing frequently. The end was a nail biting finish with both close rivals making a final dash to the finish line. Eventually it was Dhanraj who breasted the tape just a second ahead of Sandesh, both leaving the rest of the field way behind. Tukaram Nikam, Dhanraj8217;s club-mate came in third, crossing the finish-line two minutes later.
A mammoth 5700 runners from all over the district took part in the event, in various age groups for boys and girls. The race was flagged of by Prakash Devale from the New English School and winded its way through the busy streets of Pune to end in Mundhwa.
Results
Open category: Men 18km: Dhanraj Raut 57m 16s, Azambhai Pansare Sports, Sandesh Shengar, Tukaram Nikam Azambhai Pansare. Women 11 km: Rukmini Pawar 41m, Pune, Seema Jadhav Prime Sports, Maya Kolhe Azambhai Pansare.
Under-18: 7 km: Boys: Gyansingh Chavan 22m, Vidyanand-Nigdi, Anand Mitap Rao, Harshal Nikam both Azambhai Pansare. Girls: Diana D8217;Souza 32m Pune, Rashmi Salunkhe Pune, Bijusha Nair Pune.
Under-15: 5 km: Boys: Santosh Jadhav 17m 6.2s, Ramesh Bamble both Azambhai Pansare, Pravin Kadam Khelkood. Girls: Begum Nadaf 21m 4s, Krida Prabhodhini, Kirti Dhanvate Azambhai Pansare, Seema Salve Jadhav Vidyalay, Mundhwa.
Under-12: 2 km: Boys: Suhas Patil 6m 31.4s, Azambhai Pansare, Sagar Kamthe New English School, Phursungi, Vinayak Salve Pune Amateur Athletics. Girls: Aarti Kshirsagar 7m 19.17s, Pune, Archana Gore, Mugdha Telkar both Modern-Nigdi.