Pentagon Events Designs and Executes The Customs Half Marathon for CBCE

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Entertainment | November 6, 2017 | News

Pentagon Events Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

On the morning of October 29, 2017, over 9000 runners assembled at Ballard Estate in Mumbai, outside the beautiful heritage building of the new Customs House for The Customs Half Marathon. The event was truly a landmark initiative by the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBCE).

Attended by dignitaries like Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, as well as some of the biggest celebrities in India like Aishwarya Rai, Vinod Kambli, Shivamani, and Alique Padamsee, the event was definitely a mammoth undertaking; one that was organized, designed & executed by Pentagon Events & Activations.

The event consisted of 4 categories of runs, sometimes taking place simultaneously; the 21K, the 10K run, the 5k and the special Saksham run. With a flag-off at 5:45 AM on Sunday morning, the crowds assembled for a warm-up session at one of the 4 assembled stages, conducted by fitness guru Micky Mehta.

Not just enthusiastic runners of different ages and social strata but even various organizations and NGOs came out to run for a myriad of causes. The protectors of India’s economic frontiers, many members from the CBCE came out themselves to participate with the runners while many others came out in support. With a team of over 200 volunteers, 180 security personnel and the support of the Customs officers and Mumbai police, the event was truly a memorable one.

The Saksham run, a shorter run for specially-abled children carried a simple yet strong message: "Striving to make India a disability friendly nation." Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan attended the flag-off ceremony of the race for specially-abled kids. The runs too were a star-studded event, with Indian hockey team goalkeeper Suraj Karkera and other Olympians in attendance.

The presentation area of the event featured a series of truly touching performances before the felicitation ceremony. Legendary Indian percussionist Shivamani kicked off the ceremony with an awe-inspiring performance. Following this, vocalists Yash Wadali and Monali Thakur serenaded the audiences.

Against a beautiful backdrop of intricate 3D structures of some of Mumbai’s heritage landmarks, the Mumbai Customs department launched an initiative with the Mumbai Tourism department where in they conceptualized and created 51 QR codes about heritage buildings in Mumbai. A live demonstration of the same was conducted by the dignitaries on stage.

Talking about the event, Riyaz Sayed, Director, Pentagon Events, said, “Having worked with the Times of India on previous events, Pentagon was enthused to be working with the team on such a landmark event. Our biggest challenge was ensuring the smooth operation of the event; coordination on protocols regarding the Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley, and the Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, the police force, the volunteers, medical assistance, and of course the large number of people participating in the runs. We were happy to have executed the event with success, and look forward to many such initiatives with the Times of India team, and Mumbai administrative bodies.”