Jalandhar, March 8, 2026(Yes Punjab News)
CT Group of Institutions, in collaboration with the District Administration, Jalandhar, successfully organised the 17th CT Half Marathon – ਦੌੜਦਾ ਪੰਜਾਬ at its Shahpur Campus with the participation of more than 7000 runners.
The event was organised under the powerful theme “ਯੁੱਧ ਨਸ਼ਿਆਂ ਵਿਰੁੱਧ”, reinforcing the collective commitment of society towards building a drug-free Punjab while promoting fitness, discipline, and community participation. The marathon was organised with the support of key stakeholders, including the Jalandhar Premier League and the District Olympic Association.
The 17th edition of the marathon was also dedicated to the loving memory of Ustad Puran Shah Koti Ji and Fauja Singh, paying tribute to their remarkable legacy and contributions.
The marathon began early in the morning with enthusiastic runners assembling from across Punjab and neighbouring regions. Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, students, professionals, senior citizens, and specially-abled participants joined the run, turning the event into a large public movement promoting the spirit of healthy living and collective responsibility.
A special highlight of the event was the 21.1 km Half Marathon category, which attracted national and international athletes who competed with exceptional endurance and speed. In the Women’s 21.1 km category, Tsehay Desalegn secured the first position with an impressive timing of 1:16:19, while Tigist Dibaba finished second with a timing of 1:16:25 in a closely contested race. Senajit secured the third position with a timing of 1:17:22.
In the Men’s 21.1 km category, Firomsa Ararsa secured the first position after a powerful performance, followed by Rohit Dahiya, who finished second, while Mamo Gizau Abay secured the third position. The category witnessed intense competition and showcased remarkable athletic ability from the participating runners.
The 5 km Veterans Category celebrated the spirit of fitness among senior runners who demonstrated that age is no barrier to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In the Female Veterans race, Sumeena secured the first position with a time of 24:39, Kamaljit Kaur finished second with 29:41, while Narinder Kaur secured the third position with a timing of 32:02.
In the Male Veterans Category, Sarab Raj Kumar secured the first position with a timing of 19:51, Sunil Sharma finished second with 21:56, and Kulwant Singh secured the third position with a time of 23:03.
The 5 km Open Category also witnessed remarkable participation from young runners and fitness enthusiasts. In the Female Open Category, Aberu Gemechu secured the first position with a timing of 17:12, Arpita finished second with 17:19, while Harmanpreet Kaur secured the third position with 23:42.
In the Male Open Category, the first position was secured with a timing of 14:40, Ravi finished second with 14:45, while Washe Tebeje Kineto secured the third position with a time of 16:59.
To ensure that the marathon remained inclusive and socially meaningful, CT Group also organised a special race for specially-abled participants. The initiative celebrated courage, determination, and equality in sports. In addition, several NGOs including Unique Home, Aakhiri Umeed, Apahaj Aashram and other organisations working for differently-abled individuals were supported through cash donations as part of the event’s community outreach initiative.
The event also served as a platform to celebrate International Women’s Day by honouring women who have made remarkable contributions in diverse fields through a special Women’s Recognition Ceremony. The Women Award nominees included Padma Shri Awardee Bibi Prakash Kaur, Founder of Unique Homes NGO; Dr Sushma Chawla, renowned IVF Specialist and leading Gynaecologist from Jalandhar; Harpal Kaur Dhanjal, popularly known as the “Welder Girl”; Akarshi Jain, IPS, ADCP Jalandhar; Divya P, IAS, ADC (RD) Jalandhar; Twinkle Chaudhary, National Athlete; Gug Kaur, National Athlete; Anjali Dada from SOCH – Autism Society; and Manmeet Arora, Co-founder of The Arch. The recognition ceremony highlighted the achievements and leadership of women who have made significant contributions to society in different fields.
The marathon was graced by several prominent dignitaries including Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar Dr Himanshu Aggarwal, IAS; Shri Vinit Dhir, Mayor Jalandhar; Smt Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, Halka Incharge Jalandhar Cantt; ADCP Sukhwinder Singh; ADCD Divya P, IAS; ADC (UD) Jasbir Singh; Muklin R, Assistant Commissioner; SDM Navdeep Singh; and SDM Lal Vishwas Bains.
The event also witnessed the gracious presence of renowned Punjabi singers Master Saleem and Gagan Kokri, who encouraged the runners and appreciated the initiative promoting fitness and social awareness. The family members of legendary marathon runner Fauja Singh were also present on the occasion, adding emotional significance to the event and inspiring participants with the legacy of the iconic athlete.
From the CT Group management, the event witnessed the presence of Chairman CT Group S Charanjit Singh Channi, Managing Director Prof (Dr) Manbir Singh, Co-Chairperson Parminder Kaur Channi, Joint Managing Director Tanika Channi, Vice Chairman Harpreet Singh, Adv Manjinder Singh Channi, Campus Director Dr Shiv Kumar, Dean Student Welfare Dr Arjan Singh, and Head of Department of Sports Satpal along with faculty members, staff, and students of the institution.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar Dr Himanshu Aggarwal, IAS appreciated the initiative of CT Group and said that such events play a vital role in strengthening the Government of Punjab’s campaign against drug abuse. He stated that the theme “ਯੁੱਧ ਨਸ਼ਿਆਂ ਵਿਰੁੱਧ” reflects a collective responsibility where institutions, administration, and citizens must work together to protect the youth and guide them towards sports, health, and constructive activities. He added that marathons like these encourage community participation and send a powerful message that Punjab stands united against drugs.
Chairman CT Group Sardar Charanjit Singh Channi, while addressing the participants, said that CT Group has always believed in contributing to society beyond education. He emphasised that the marathon is not merely a sporting event but a social movement that promotes awareness, unity, and the spirit of a healthy Punjab. He added that by bringing together thousands of runners under one theme, the institution aims to inspire youth to choose fitness and positive living over harmful habits.
The 17th edition of the CT Half Marathon – ਦੌੜਦਾ ਪੰਜਾਬ concluded with great enthusiasm and community participation, successfully spreading the message of fitness, awareness, and social responsibility while celebrating the achievements and leadership of women on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
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