ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE

Official Chronicle of the Annual Inter-House Marathon Race Competition 2025
"Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up."
                                                                                                                   — Dean Karnaze
On 18 October 2025, St Joseph’s College, Prayagraj, hosted its Annual Inter-House Marathon Race Competition, an event that exemplified the institution’s enduring commitment to holistic education, athletic excellence, and the cultivation of spirited camaraderie among its students. The marathon, spanning a total distance of five kilometres, commenced from the college grounds, traversed the historic expanse of Chandrashekhar Azad Park, and concluded with a return to the college, forming a circuit that was both physically demanding and symbolically resonant. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over one hundred students, each of whom demonstrated commendable vigour, discipline, and sportsmanship.

The senior division, in particular, stood out for its embodiment of healthy competition and collective perseverance. Participants undertook the challenge with unwavering determination, completing the course through sheer effort and strategic pacing. Their performance reflected not merely a pursuit of victory but a profound respect for the ethos of the race itself. Along the route, seven checkpoints were established to ensure safety, coordination, and timely monitoring. These were manned by dedicated staff members whose presence was both reassuring and indispensable. At the first checkpoint were Mr. Ankur Arora, Mr. Harshit Gladwin, and Mr. Amit Mehrotra; the second was overseen by Mr. Ajit Anthony and Mr. Dilip Charles Pascal; the third by Mr. Dipesh Sebastian and Mr. Samar Chatterjee; the fourth by Mr. Santosh Kumar Yadav and Mr. Wayne Gardner; the fifth by Mr. Nirath Darbari and Mr. Ankit Tandon; the sixth by Mr. Raju Solomon; and the seventh by Mr. Martin Lenus.

In addition to the checkpoint officials, a team of marshals played a pivotal role in maintaining order and encouraging the participants throughout the course. Mr. Saubhagya Kumar Nayak, Mr. Abhishek Mahendra, Mr. Utkarsh Kumar Sharma, Mr. Danny Ekka, and Mr. Daniel Thomas discharged their responsibilities with admirable poise and attentiveness. The timekeeping, a task requiring precision and impartiality, was entrusted to Mrs. Pratibha Shukla, Mr. Azhar Usmani, Ms. Poonam Singh, and Mr. Prateek Hemrajani, whose collective efforts ensured the accurate recording of performance metrics and the integrity of the results.

The adjudication of the competition was conducted under the esteemed supervision of Rev. Fr. Melwin Pais, Headmaster of St Joseph’s College, whose presence lent gravitas to the occasion. He was joined by Rev. Fr. Gladwin Fernandes, Administrator of the Middle School; Mr. McGowan, Additional Administrator; Mr. Dube, Chief Coordinator; Mr. M. S. Rafiq, Sports Coordinator; and Dr. Aparna Ranjan, Middle School Coordinator. Together, this panel of distinguished educators and administrators upheld the highest standards of fairness and decorum, ensuring that the event proceeded in accordance with the college’s long-standing traditions of excellence.

The competition itself unfolded as a vivid tableau of youthful energy and competitive spirit. In the senior category, Yuvraj Gupta of Gold House secured the first position with an exceptional display of stamina and strategic execution. He was followed by Ayaan Ahmad of Green House, who claimed the second position, and Amar Khushhaal of Red House, who earned the third. In the junior category, Abhinav Somvanshi of Red House emerged victorious, attaining the first position with remarkable agility and focus. The second position was awarded to Afan Hasan of Green House, while Yusuf, also of Red House, secured the third.

The culmination of the event saw Red House triumph in the senior division, while Green House claimed top honours in the junior division. These victories were not merely a reflection of individual prowess but a testament to collective preparation, house spirit, and the enduring values of perseverance and unity. The success of the Annual Inter-House Marathon Race Competition 2025 was made possible through the unwavering dedication of all involved—organisers, officials, participants, and volunteers alike—whose contributions coalesced into an event of exceptional calibre and lasting significance.