Tata Steel today organised the second edition of Noamundi run-a-thon at Sports Complex, Noamundi. This year, the run-a-thon drew its theme from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) initiative of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The run-a-thon on the theme "Run for Biodiversity" witnessed 6209 registrations. Runners from Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar participated in the event. The Run-a-thon was held in 10 KM and 7 KM categories for men and women, 5 KM run for boys and girls under the age of 16 years from schools and colleges and 2 KM run for persons with disability (PWD). The event was inaugurated jointly by Mr Chanakya Chaudhary, Vice President (Raw Materials), Tata Steel, Mr Arun Misra, Chairman, Tata Steel Special Economic Zone & Vice President, Gopalpur Project, Tata Steel, Mr Manish Mishra, General Manager (Ore Mines & Quarries Division), Tata Steel, Mr Kulvin Suri, Chief, Corporate Communications, India & SEA, Tata Steel and Ms Poonam Chaudhary.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Chanakya Chaudhary said: “It is overwhelming to see the enthusiasm and such a huge participation in the second edition of Noamundi run-a-thon. Tata Steel believes sports is a way of life and I am happy that this event has established a strong connect with the community. The theme of this edition of the run-a-thon is in line with the sustainability goals set by UNDP and signifies our commitment towards biodiversity and sustainability.”

Mr Manish Mishra said: “It is heartening to see that the community around Noamundi and its peripheral villages to have accepted Noamundi run-a-thon as their own event and turn out in large numbers to run for the cause of biodiversity. It has also given an opportunity to the young running talent of this region to compete with best in the field. The enthusiastic support we have received from the people of this region is very encouraging and I would like to thank everyone who has supported and contributed whole heartedly in making this sporting event a great success.”

The winner of 10 KM (Men) finished the race in 31.25 minutes whereas the winner of 10 KM (Women) finished the race in 37.17 minutes. The winner of 7 KM (Men) finished the race in 22.29 minutes whereas the winner of 7 KM (Women) finished the race in 27.11 minutes. The winner of 5 KM (Boys) finished the race in 17.28 minutes whereas the winner of 5 KM (Girls) finished the race in 21.23 minutes. A separate award for the Persons with Disability category was also distributed to all the runners in this category.

Reflecting its commitment and vision for tomorrow, Tata Steel’s Noamundi run-a-thon made an effort to not only showcase different forms of biodiversity along the running route but also sensitise the employees, local communities and other stakeholders at large on the concept of sustainability.

Noamundi is well-known for its scenic beauty and Tata Steel has actively contributed in restoring the beauty of the area. The Noamundi Iron Mine has taken several initiatives in the past to foster biodiversity in the region. This is yet another initiative of Noamundi Iron Mine to link sports with biodiversity.

Among others present on the occasion were Mr Gopi Oraon, Circle Officer, Noamundi, Mr H Ravi, SDPO, Kiriburu, Mr Nitin Kumar Singh, IIC, Noamundi, Mr Dharmendra Upadhyay, Vice Chairman, Sports Advisory Committee, Tata Steel, and Mr Bagicha Singh, Arjuna awardee. Huge crowds comprising local residents, people from the peripheral villages of Noamundi and Joda, Tata Steel employees, their families and students from various schools & institutions lined up along the running track to cheer the runners.

About Tata Steel
Tata Steel Group is among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 27.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) as on March 31, 2017. It is the world's second-most geographically-diversified steel producer, with operations in 26 countries and a commercial presence in over 50 countries. The Group recorded a consolidated turnover of US $18.12 billion (INR 117,420 crore) in FY17. Tata Steel Group is spread across five continents with an employee base of nearly 74,000. Having bagged the Deming Application Prize and Deming Grand Prize for continuous improvement in 2008 and 2012 respectively, Tata Steel has now been recognised as the global ‘Industry Leader’ in ‘Steel category’ by Dow Jones Sustainability Index (2015). Besides being a member of the World Steel Climate Action Programme, Tata Steel has also been felicitated with several awards including the Prime Minister’s Trophy for the best performing integrated steel plant for 2013-14 (received in 2017), Best Risk Management by CNBC TV18 (2016), ‘Best-in-class Manufacturing’ award from TIME India (2016) and the ‘Most Ethical Company’ award from the Ethisphere Institute (2016), IIM Sustainability Award (2015), among several others.

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