Spirit of India Run by Pat Farmer an Ultra Marathon Runner from Australia

By 121 News

Chandigarh 14^th March:- Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India along with State Tourism Departments such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Union Territory of Chandigarh are supporting 'Spirit of India Run' by Pat Farmer, an ultra Marathon Runner from Australia. Initiating his run on January 26th, 2016 celebrating India's Republic Day and Australia Day, Pat Farmer will run over 4000 km in 60 days starting from Kanyakumari and finishing in Kashmir.

Pat Farmer is a multiple world record holder for endurance running and has run from the North Pole to the South Pole, and across Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, the Middle East and North America. He has served 8 years as a Member of Australia's Parliament, with 3 years as Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Science and Training, and has raised millions of dollars for worthy causes during his 20 year running career. 

Pat Farmer's 'Spirit of India Run' is aimed at cementing relations between India and Australia; encourage tourism and personal relationships with a view to create awareness of India as a 'Must Experience' destination for travellers from Australia; and support causes and charity.

The 53-year-old former MP is accompanied by a television crew which would cover the entire run and prepare a documentary that would be screened multiple times on Australia's TV Network.

While starting his run from Ambala early in the morning on 17^th March, 2016, Pat Farmer is expected to reach Chandigarh boundary (Zirakpur) at 1.00 PM. The welcome ceremony of Pat Farmer and his team will be followed by tilak and garlanding ceremony organized at the UT boundary. The run will continue towards Tribune chowk followed by Transport chowk passing through Mahatma Gandhi Institute, Golf club, Punjab Raj Bhawan and ending at UT Guest House.

In the evening, a Cultural Programme shall be organized from 6.30 PM onward at Tagore Theatre and the media interaction will be held at Hotel Mountview followed by dinner.

On 18^th March, 2016 at 5.30 am. the Adviser to the Administrator, U.T will flag off the run in the see off ceremony towards Punjab boundary (YPS chowk), Mohali.