The Rotary Club of Panaji Mid Town Mathias Panaji Run 2025, a charity-driven fitness event that combined health, inclusivity, and community service was held recently. The event, held outside Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Taleigao, witnessed 1,200 participants that comprised athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and community members.
The inaugural edition attracted elite and passionate runners from across the country, elevating the event’s competitive appeal. The Mathais Panaji Run included a 10-km timed race, a 5-km walk/run, and a 1-km walk with students from the National Association for the Blind (NAB) and People with Disabilities (PwD).
The event coincided with the Carnival festivities, with participants donning creative outfits in hopes of winning prizes for the Best Dressed Individual and Best Dressed Group.
Winners were awarded cash prizes totaling ₹1 lakh across various categories. Beyond promoting fitness, the run also contributed to Rotary’s flagship social initiatives that include Saksharata – Educational grants for deserving students, Sudharata – financial aid for corrective surgeries, Sahayanta – nurse training for elderly care, Swachata – water purifiers for schools in remote areas, and Sanjivani – medical resources such as oxygen concentrators and fowler beds for those in need.
Rtn. Dattatray W. Kamat, President of the Rotary Club of Panaji Mid Town, expressed his delight at the success of the event. “I am extremely happy that the first-ever Mathias Panaji Run was organized during my tenure. The overwhelming response and the grand success of the event give us the confidence to continue this initiative for years to come. Most importantly, the funds raised will be directed toward great causes, making a meaningful impact on the community,” he said.
While Sheetal Pai Kane, Convenor- Mathias Panaji Run 2025 said, “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the Mathias Panaji Run 2025, with 1,200 participants coming together to celebrate fitness, inclusivity, and community service. Seeing individuals of all ages embrace the spirit of the event was truly heartwarming. This run was not just about fitness, but also about making a difference through Rotary’s key initiatives,” she said.
“A big thank you to all our participants, sponsors, and volunteers for their incredible support. We look forward to an even bigger and better Edition 2 next year,” Kane added.
Neil Dsilva and Agnelo Desa from Team Yoska played a crucial role in overseeing the run with their technical expertise, ensuring a smooth and well-managed event.
Meanwhile, title sponsors Joe and Mariola Mathias have committed to continuing their association with the event, reaffirming their support as the title sponsors of the Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town Mathias Panaji Run in the coming years.
The participants praised the overall organisation of the event.
“The 10K event I participated in was exceptionally well-organized, starting on time with adequate traffic control and road closures in place. The hydration stations were well spaced, though I didn’t need to use them. The post-run breakfast was well-planned and ideal for recovery. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, ” said Dinesh Heda an Ultra Marathoner from Vasco, who was first Runner-up (50-59 Age Category).
“The Panaji 10K Run was planned in the simplest way—a true race experience. Ample aid stations, excellent route management, a well-organized start and award ceremony, and the best post-race refreshments I’ve ever had made it perfect. I would love to race in this event again, ” said another participant Nihal Ahamad Baig, Hyderabad who came First (30-39 Age Category). He was the winner in the IRONMAN 70.3 Goa in 2022 and 2023
