Pune Dec 6 (Reporter) In Commemoration of Vijay Diwas - the victory over Pakistan to liberate Bangladesh in 1971- the Indian Army hosted the Vijay Diwas Ultra Marathon on Friday. The event remembers the sacrifice by the Armed Forces in the 1971 operation and sets the tone for the celebration of the iconic Army Day Parade to be held in Pune on January 15, 2025. The event was flagged-off from Shaheed Smarak, Colaba by the Governor of Maharashtra C. P. Radhakrishnan, in the presence of a distinguished gathering of civil and uniformed dignitaries. The extraordinary ultra-marathon covers a distance of 405 Kilometres, coursing through Maharashtra's heartland including key military cantonments and cities like Nashik, Ahmednagar and Kolhapur, before concluding in Pune. The event's grand finale in Pune promises to be a moment of collective pride and celebration as the ultra marathon reaches its final destination, said a Defence release. In addition to the professional runners, the Indian Army has extended an open invitation to the serving personnel, veterans, National Cadets Corps (NCC) cadets, and citizens of Mumbai to participate in the event. Opportunities abound for citizens of Mumbai to join relay segments, cheer from the sidelines, or engage in local activities as the marathon progresses through their cities. The marathon aims to create a bridge between the Armed Forces and the people, offering everyone an opportunity to pay homage to the sacrifices of the soldiers who have laid down their lives in the service of the nation, honour the valor and dedication of the Armed Forces, and also promote fitness and resilience among all citizens The event also marks the celebration of camaraderie, endurance and national pride, reinforcing the commitment of the Indian Army to the nation. With events like motivational workshops, cultural performances and interactions with veterans at every stop, the Vijay Run embodies a message of unity, resilience, and gratitude for those who safeguard India's sovereignty, the release said...////...