KATRA: District Police Reasi, under the aegis of Jammu and Kashmir Police, organised the ‘Run for Unity’ 10K Run in Katra on Sunday, witnessing enthusiastic participation from more than 1,000 runners representing different parts of the country.
The event aimed to promote national unity, physical fitness, healthy living, sportsmanship and a spirit of togetherness by bringing participants from diverse backgrounds and age groups onto a common platform.
The run commenced from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Stadium in Katra and proceeded along the designated route towards Aghar Jitto Temple. Participants displayed enthusiasm, discipline and sporting spirit throughout the event.
Tejinder Singh, Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Other dignitaries present included Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University; Swarn Singh Kotwal, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range; Mukund Tibrewal, SSP Reasi; Alok Maurya, Additional Chief Executive Officer of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Ramesh Chander Kotwal, SSP Railways, Katra; and Kameshwar Puri, SP Katra.
The event witnessed participation by children, youth, adults and senior citizens, including runners above 60 years of age. Participants from Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi and other parts of the country joined the run, reflecting the spirit of Unity in Diversity.
The competitive 10K race featured separate men’s and women’s categories, with cash prizes of ₹12,000, ₹10,000 and ₹8,000 awarded to the first-, second- and third-place finishers, respectively.
In the men’s category, Sandeep of Haryana secured first place, followed by Gagandeep of Punjab in second position and Imran Kasana of Jammu and Kashmir in third place.
In the women’s category, Robin Verma claimed first place, while Vandana Devi finished second and Priyanka Sharma secured third position.
The top 10 finishers in both categories were also felicitated with medals by the chief guest in recognition of their performances. All participants who successfully completed the run received finisher medals and certificates.
RJ Shwetima anchored the event, while Shrija Salathia, Pilates expert at Shree Fitness Studio, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, conducted a special warm-up and fitness session to prepare participants for the run.
District Police Reasi made comprehensive arrangements to ensure the safety, comfort and convenience of the runners. Drinking water, refreshments and electrolytes were provided at the sports stadium and designated points along the route, including the 2.5-kilometre and 5-kilometre marks.
The successful conduct of the ‘Run for Unity’ 10K Run highlighted District Police Reasi’s commitment to promoting community engagement, fitness and sporting activities while strengthening the spirit of national unity through public participation.
