Students of Apeejay School, Model Town, Jalandhar, demonstrated remarkable determination and grit by completing the One Race Jalandhar Half Marathon (5km) held at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium recently. Among the young runners, Nekfateh Singh (class I) completed the race in an impressive 34 minutes and 10 seconds, showcasing remarkable endurance and spirit. Partap Singh (class V) followed closely, finishing in 32 minutes and 10 seconds, while Sana Kakkar (class VII) completed the run in 48 minutes, all reflecting their unwavering dedication to fitness and perseverance.
The One Race Jalandhar Half Marathon was Punjab’s first internationally AIMS-certified race, attracting participants from various age groups. The event was graced by the presence of Marathon Legend Fauja Singh, who at 114 years of age, inspired participants with his extraordinary journey. The marathon was flagged off by a distinguished panel, including Blade Runner Major DP Singh, GOC Vajra Corps Lt Gen Ajay Chadpuria, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal, Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma, Municipal Commissioner Gautam Jain, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr Ankur Gupta. Olympians Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh also added grandeur to the event, motivating the participants with their success stories.
Harmilan Bains, an Indian track athlete who is a double silver medallist in the 800m and 1500m at the Asian Games motivated the students with her encouraging words, “Strive with dedication and perseverance like I did — believe in your goals, push your limits, and achieve greatness. Your hard work will inspire others, just as it inspires me.”
Maninder Kaur, an educator and a fitness enthusiast at Apeejay School, Model Town highlighted her achievements, “I completed my 21.1 km Half Marathon in 2 hours 29 minutes 30 seconds, proud to serve as a race ambassador and receive recognition from Harmilan Bains. Hard work and dedication pave the way to success.”
The remarkable achievement of Apeejay School, Model Town students not only reflects their commitment to physical fitness but also embodies the school’s emphasis on holistic development, nurturing both academic excellence and athletic prowess. Their outstanding performance at this prestigious event has set a shining example for others, promoting a culture of perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship.