Discovery Channel partners with 'Chaupal Marathon'

Discovery Channel partners with non-governmental organisation Chaupal for the annual ‘Rural Marathon’ to be organised in Sonepat on Sunday, November 18th.   Discovery Channel in association with Chaupal brings a marathon for the welfare of rural people living in the National Capital Region of India.

Rural Marathon is an initiative of Chaupal, an internationally recognised NGO run by a group of health professionals (www.chaupalindia.org).   In its 2nd year,  ‘Chaupal Marathon 2012’ aims to encourage people to imbibe principles of good health and hygiene, protect the environment from plastics usage and grow and protect trees, use clean fuel energy, and fight social evils such as female foeticide.

Commenting on the association, Rahul Johri, senior vice president and general manager – South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “Discovery Channel is committed to make difference in the lives of people, be it through its programming or socially relevant events.  We are delighted to be associated with Chaupal Marathon and believe this is a significant platform to raise awareness about various social causes.”

Dr. Rajinder Singh Tonk, Chairperson of Chaupal and eminent physician, said, "For the last five years, Chaupal has been working tirelessly to provide affordable quality healthcare to underserved areas in Delhi – Haryana area through its community outreach camps, mobile clinics and health centers, and has impacted over half a million people so far.  Every year, Chaupal holds a one of its kind “rural marathon” to raise grassroots awareness about health and nutrition.  Discovery Channel is a credible network in the country and we are confident that this collaboration would motivate maximum people to participate in this initiative."

Starting from Deen Bandhu Chotu Ram University in Murthal at 7 am and ending at Chaupal Health Center, Sonipat - Rohtak Road, Village Banyapur, Sonipat at 10:30 am, the marathon will be covering a distance of 12 km.  About 10,000 runners from North India, including national and international athletes from Haryana who competed in the London Olympics 2012 like Olympic Silver medalist Sushil Kumar and Bronze medalist Yogeshwar Dutt,  are expected to participate in the event.