Discovery associates with Chaupal Marathon to encourage good health

Discovery Channel in association with Chaupal, a non-government organisation is organising the 3rd Chaupal Marathon to be held on Sunday, November 17 at Sonepat, Haryana. The marathon aims to encourage people to imbibe principles of good health and hygiene, protect the environment for better living and fight against social evils like female foeticide.

Discovery Channel will support the initiative of Chaupal, an internationally recognised non-governmental organisation (NGO) run by health professionals (www.chaupalindia.org) to organise the Chapual Marathon.  In its 3rd year, Chaupal Marathon is an effort to raise awareness amongst rural people of Haryana on various issues related to general health, hygiene and to promote wellbeing awareness.  The theme of this year’s marathon is “drive carefully to secure families”, aiming to spread consciousness about road traffic accidents which are amongst the major causes of morbidities and mortalities in India, adding financial burden on the families and the health care system.  In its previous year, Discovery Channel supported Chaupal Marathon on issues such as the health of the girl child, empowerment of women, and an end to female foeticide.

The race will commence on Sunday, November 17 at 7:30 am from Murthal University (Deen Bandhu Chotu Ram University) and end at the Chaupal Health Center in village Banyapur, Sonepat, covering a total distance of 12 kms.   Approximately ten thousand runners from North India, including national and international athletes are expected to participate in the marathon. Leading personalities like Dr. Kiran Bedi (IPS); Ms.Jaya Prada, Member Parliament & former actress; and Olympics wrestler Sushil Kumar are expected to participate in the marathon. A cash price of Rs. 41,000 will be awarded to the runner placing first in the open race.  Many other cash awards will be given to the winners in different race categories.

Commenting on Discovery Channel’s association with Chaupal, Rahul Johri, Senior Vice President and General Manager – South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “Discovery Channel is committed to making a difference in the lives of people, be it through its programming or socially relevant events.  The channel in collaboration with Chaupal strives to bring awareness amongst people towards a healthy and better social environment.”

Dr. Rajinder Singh Tonk, Chairperson of Chaupal and eminent physician, said,       “Chaupal has been working tirelessly to provide healthy living and medical benefits to people thorough community outreach camps, mobile clinics and health centers.  An annual event, the Chaupal Marathon is an initiative to raise awareness on healthy living.  We are thankful to Discovery Channel for their continued participation in this initiative.”