Australian marathon runner to run the length of India
AUSTRALIA’S MARATHON RUNNING LEGEND and former MP, Pat Farmer on Monday announced his next running challenge, the Spirit of India Run, in New Delhi.
The Spirit of India Run will see the world-record holder in long distance and endurance running run the length of India – from south to north through 10 states – over 4600km in 60 days. The run will begin on 26 January 2016 – a significant date for both countries, marking Australia Day and India’s Republic Day.
“This run by a remarkable Australian known for his endurance abilities is yet another step in strengthening relations between our two countries, particularly people-to-people links,”
Australian High Commissioner to India, Patrick Suckling, said.
“India’s culture and colour are admired by Australians. The country’s rich diversity will be captured by a film crew as Pat runs the length of India, allowing us to see and share his experiences.”
Mr Farmer’s aim is to promote goodwill, friendship and trade between Australia and India, while highlighting and raising funds for girls’ education in India through Mahindra’s Nanhi Kali initiative.
“Young girls grow up to be the mothers of the next generation,” Mr Farmer said.
“They are the first educators to their children and I believe every girl should have access to basic literacy skills as education is the way to change their world and ours.”
Sponsor Adani said it was also proud to partner with Mr Farmer to support girls’ education.
“The Adani Group is committed to improve the quality of education through its programs for free education and other initiatives to improve the girl child enrolment ratio. And with Pat and Adani showcasing India's diversity, we endeavour to bring both countries closer culturally,” said Captain Sandeep Mehta, CEO of Adani Ports, Australia.
Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, said the group was delighted to support
“The Mahindra Group is strongly committed to the cause of girl child education with our Nanhi Kali initiative educating over 100,000 girls across India. We wish Pat the very best during his run which will help to strengthen the already strong ties between India and Australia,” Mr Mahindra said.
A former parliamentarian, Mr Farmer was Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Science and Training from 2004 to 2007. In 2011-12, he ran from the North to the South Pole and raised more than A$100,000 for Red Cross International’s clean water programs. In 2014, he ran more than 1300km in two weeks through the Middle East to raise money and awareness for peace initiatives in the region.
