From kids to seniors, 16,000 runners celebrate fitness at Indian Oil–Navy Half Marathon

The city woke up to a nip in the air, and the streets of South Mumbai wore a festive look on Sunday as more than 16,000 people from across the country featured in the eighth edition of the Indian Oil-NWC Navy Half Marathon.

The event, considered a cornerstone celebration leading up to the Indian Navy Day on December 4, aims to promote fitness, national unity, and raise public awareness about the Indian Navy and its role in maritime security.

As the participants, across age groups, geared up to feature in their respective categories, the event was flagged off by the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, along with Arvinder Singh Sahney, the Chairman of the Indian Oil Corporation Limited. To cheer the participants, Bollywood actors Suniel Shetty, Riteish Deshmukh and Ahan Shetty graced the occasion.

“This was initiated in 2016, and we are here in the eighth edition with a subtext of safe seas, safe coasts make for a healthy environment. So, in that sense, the Indian Navy’s Initiative is not only promoting physical fitness, but also environmental consciousness among our populace,” said Admiral Tripathi.

“I saw kids in prams, very small kids running, as also the senior citizens. The only thing common which they had was smile on their faces and  josh in them that we are taking part in an initiative which is worthy of its cause,” he said.

“It supports the larger vision of the Government of India, which is the Fit India Movement and Kelo India, and I’m sure it will make other citizens of Mumbai and the country take sports seriously and take running seriously…”

Kartik Karkera was the winner in the men’s category of the half-marathon, while Dinesh and Bablu Chavan were ranked second and third, respectively. In the female category, Pooja emerged as the winner, followed by Ravina Gayakwad and Rozi.

Talking about its association with the event, IOCL chairman Sahney told  Sportstar, “We see it as a contribution towards nation-building. We see it as our contribution towards giving a positive direction to the youth, to the public at large, because events like these are not associated with just youth. These are associated with children and everyone. And as we move forward, we want to help this cause of keeping India fit…”

Awarded the World Athletics Road Race Label, the event has managed to ensure the highest standard of safety and course accuracy over the years, and Indian Oil, which has majorly backed several sporting disciplines over the years, has been associated with the Half-Marathon since 2018.

“This is the best thing that could have happened. We are thankful to the armed forces, especially the Navy, Army and Air Force, that they have allowed us to be associated with them in this noble cause,” Sahney said.

Published on Nov 23, 2025