Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 17 Oct: Embodying this spirit of resilience and sportsmanship, St. Joseph’s Academy, Dehradun, organised its much-anticipated Marathon 2026 on 17 October 2026, bringing together young Josephites in a celebration of endurance, discipline and collective endeavour.
The event commenced at 5:00 a.m. with a warm welcome to the distinguished Chief Guest, Anant Shankar Takwale, IPS (2006 batch), Uttarakhand cadre, presently serving as Inspector General of Police, CID/ Police Training. The occasion was also graced by Pradeep Kumar Rai, Superintendent of Police, CID Headquarters, Dehradun, an alumnus of Allahabad University and recipient of the Utkrisht Sewa Samman Chinha and DGP Commendation Discs (Gold and Silver). Principal SJA, Brother Joseph M. Joseph, Community Leader Brother Ernest Martin, the Coordinators and faculty members’ presence encouraged and inspired the participants. Also in attendance were members of the SJA Alumni Managing Committee (2025–26), including President Vikas Dewan, Vice Presidents Sanam Kumar and Dilpreet Grover, Secretary Harshit Gupta, Treasurer Pulkit Gupta, and other distinguished alumni. The campus buzzed with enthusiasm as students from Classes VI to XII assembled to represent their respective Houses—Duffy, Donovan, Bergin and Dooley—with pride, energy and spirited determination.
Addressing the young runners, the Chief Guest lauded their enthusiasm and encouraged them to approach every challenge in life with determination, discipline and integrity. He emphasised the importance of perseverance and the values that enable individuals to rise above obstacles. As a gesture of appreciation, Brother Joseph M. Joseph presented him with a memento, acknowledging his gracious presence and inspiring words.
A significant fixture in the Academy’s sporting calendar, the Marathon transcended the pursuit of physical endurance to celebrate camaraderie, resilience and collective spirit. It offered young Josephites an opportunity to showcase their athletic prowess while embodying perseverance, sportsmanship and personal excellence. The event reaffirmed the enduring Josephite ethos of striving relentlessly, supporting one another and facing challenges with courage and conviction. The successful culmination of the event was made possible, in part, by the commendable efforts of the Alumni Association, whose meticulous coordination of refreshments, chest numbers and other logistical arrangements ensured its smooth execution.
The event witnessed remarkable performances and rank holders across categories:
Senior Girls:
Vrinda Gupta (10D-Donovan House)
Shivangi Semwal (12A – Donovan House)
Aadya Uniyal (11C – Duffy House)
Junior Girls:
Aarna Tandon (8B – Bergin House)
Praavi Chaudhary (8E – Bergin House)
Agrata Upadhyay (8E – Bergin House)
Sub Junior Boys:
Mithansh Bartwal (7E– Duffy House)
Avirat Thapliyal (7D – Dooley House)
Shresht Kandari (6E – Bergin House)
Junior Boys:
Anay Dobhal (8C – Duffy House)
Kartikay Rana (9D – Bergin House)
Reyansh Bahuguna (8D – Dooley House)
Sub Junior Girls:
Avantika (7F – Duffy House)
Shanaya Chamola (6F – Donovan House)
Araanya Narang (6A – Bergin House)
Senior Boys:
Aniket Nautiyal (12D – Bergin House)
Ahaan Bisht (10F – Donovan House)
Akshatra Kamboj (10D – Dooley House)
Marathon 2026 reaffirmed SJA’s commitment to shaping individuals of character through sport, instilling in its young Josephites the virtues of perseverance, courage and fair play. Ultimately, the Marathon celebrated a truth that extends far beyond the running track: victory belongs not always to the swiftest, but to those who confront challenges with resilience and refuse to surrender their resolve.
