PANAJI
The Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town presented the Mathias Panaji Run 2026, marking its second edition with the vibrant ‘Live Life in Colour’ theme at the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) ground, Campal. A total of 1,800 participants from across Goa and neighbouring states took part in the run, which is a key community and service initiative of the Club aimed at promoting fitness, fellowship and social responsibility.
Director General of Police, Goa, Alok Kumar, flagged off the run amidst much enthusiasm. North Goa Collector Ankit Yadav participated in the 10K timed run and later distributed the prizes to the winners.
Dignitaries present on the occasion included Director, Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Dr Ajay Gaude; title sponsors Joe Mathias and Mariola Mathias; Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town President Gauresh Nayak; Secretary Gajanan Karkare; Director Projects Sunil Pai Kane; and Run Convenor Sheetal Pai Kane.
The event featured a 10K timed run, 5K walk/run and a special 1K category for NAB and PWD participants. The 10K run witnessed runners from 13 years to 70+ years competing across various age categories.
In the 10K Overall (18 years onwards) Male category, Babu Gaonkar clinched first place with a timing of 00:33:07, followed by Anurag Konkar (00:34:04) and Akash Agarwadekar (00:34:45).
In the Female category, Hansine Benoit secured first place clocking 00:46:40, while Dr Blanch Themudo (00:49:05) and Vikita Desai (00:49:28) finished second and third respectively.
Special prizes were awarded in the 5K and PWD categories, including awards for the most enthusiastic male, female and child participant, oldest and youngest participant, as well as the best group.
Addressing the gathering, Ankit Yadav, Kirit Mahatre and Joe Mathias lauded the initiative and emphasised the importance of fitness and community participation. Run Convenor Sheetal Pai Kane welcomed the runners, urged them to run strong and stay safe, and expressed confidence that the event would cross 2,000 participants next year. The vote of thanks was proposed by Gajanan Karkare.
Runners participated from across Goa and from cities including Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri, Belgaum and Karwar. Participants enjoyed the lively atmosphere along the route, including a brass band performance at one of the stations, a hot breakfast post-run, and a unique finisher’s medal featuring runners with the Mandovi river and Atal Setu in the backdrop.
