Gujarat-based long-distance runner Murli Gavit, 26, was over the moon after winning the half marathon, clocking 01:05:20s. Haryana’s Ankit Deshwal finished second (01:05:48) while Kolhapur’s Dipak Kumbhar won the bronze (01:05:51). Gavit, who received a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, heaved a sigh of relief as he can now repay the Rs 55,000 loan he has taken from his friends to purchase running shoes and for other expenses.

“This prize money is a huge financial boost since I hail from a very poor background. My elder brother [Tukaram] is a farmer while my parents are daily wage workers. I cannot even afford to buy a good pair of running shoes. Last year, I borrowed Rs 55,000 from some of my friends to purchase running shoes and for some other expenses. I’m glad that I can now repay them with this prize money,” Gavit told mid-day on Sunday.