To show their love, hundreds 'Run for Tiger'

CHANDRAPUR: Hundreds of people belonging to all age groups participated in the 'Run for Tiger' marathon aimed at creating awareness about protection of tigers on Sunday.

Runners from Kolhapur, Aurangabad, Parbhani, Nagpur, Gondia and other places participated in the 5-km marathon jointly organized by Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve Conservation Foundation and Eco-Pro Organization to mark wildlife week.

Mayor Sangita Amrutkar flagged off the marathon. In men's section, Swapnil Sawant of Kolhapur emerged winner while Nikhil Shende and Devendra Chiklande came second and third. Pushpa Katre, Usha Ledange and Preeti Mahajan secured first three positions respectively among the women.

Honorary wildlife warden Bandu Dhotre, who is the head of Eco-Pro, said, "Citizens of Chandrapur once again showed their love for tiger by participating wholeheartedly in the marathon. Besides the participants, thousands stood along the street and in the balconies to cheer the runners."

Tiger mascots accompanied the runners in vehicles. The arches decorated with 'Run for Tiger' banners dotted the five km stretch.

Pathanpura gate to complete the circuit. Scores of children too participated in the marathon. They ran through the smaller circuit between Pathanpura gate and Gandhi Chowk. Organisers declared free safari to TATR for the participant children.