Police, people to run together for a 'fitter' city

NASHIK: In yet another initiative to reach out to the people, the city police has come out with the concept of conducting a programme of running on the last Sunday of every month.
Commissioner of Police Ravinder Kumar Singal said, "The 'last Sunday of month' (LSoM) concept is prevalent in other parts of the country and abroad. The aim is to bring the people together with the purpose of joint physical activities like runs, skating, cycling and other programmes."
Officials said that a large number of people only think about starting activities like running but keep on on postponing it.Also, a large number of police personnel are interested in long runs. The event will motivate the public and the police personnel to run for their physical well being."
This activity organised by the police, jointly with ActiveNRG Athletic Club, will be held at the Goda Park on October 23 from 6am to 8.30am as the last Sunday of this month happens to be Diwali.
Officials said, over a period of time this activity can be conducted in other parts of the city also.
Aniruddha Athani of ActiveNRG club said, "Rising levels of affluence and automation are leading to lower levels of physical activity. This is leading to increased prevalence of lifestyle diseases. Unless people become fitter, there is no way that we can aspire to become a world-class city."
He said that due to the minimal costs of marathon running, it was becoming very popular all over the world and a lot of people were getting attracted to running. ActiveNRG started the activity from September and now police also have associated with us to give it a bigger shape.
Since people feel awkward mostly due to lack of fitness or overweight and also have initial mental barrier, this will be a regular platform for beginners and walkers to start running in a safe and secure environment.