Udaipur is to observe its first ever 25km long cycle marathon on December 4^th. Initiated by Shikshantar, the event is co-hosted by Pahal, Nature Network11, Banyan Roots, Millets of Mewar and Pranav Ayurvedic Center.

Harawal Cycle Marathon – Harawal, the term originating from Mewar is used to identify the first row of soldiers in a battle field. These frontier Lieutenants were considered as the most valiant among the rest of the battalion.

According to Manish Jain of Shikshantar, the name Harawal signifies the cyclists who will face their top most enemy “pollution”. “This race is to create mass awareness between people of all ages to save the environment and transform their way of life by adopting cycle as a way of transport.”

This 25 kms long race will start at 8:30 am on 4^th December (Sunday) from Suchna Kendra at Chetak Circle and will finish at Fateh Sagar lake covering Fatehpura chowki, Dewali, Fatehsagar lake Paal, P.P Singhal Road, Mulla Talai, Rampura circle, Ubeshwar road, Badi village and will end at Fatehsagar.

“I want to promote fitness in Udaipur to a much higher level, I also have a dream to see sports men and women from Udaipur at the Olympics. This race is just a step taken towards it” said Rahul Karanpriya, the organizer of the event.

Registration fee for the marathon is Rs.50 per person and the last date to register is 1^st December. Every participant must be of at least 16 years of age to be eligible to participate.

Winners of the race will be awarded with prizes and the participants will get a T-shirt as a memento. A small refreshment party is also planned for the participants at the end of the race.

The increasing problem of obesity has been observed in many kids at an early age. Exercising and healthy eating habits are being ignored by most of the younger generation and cycles are considered to be out of date vehicles, which do not suit their status. In such circumstances, this race will show this young generation that cycling can still be cool and far healthier.

On a lighter vein, adopting cycling as a means of communication can have a positive affect on the budgets of most families, as petrol costs will be cut down significantly.