Farmer's Spirit of India Run: Australia thank India for support to marathon man

Photo Courtesy: patfarmer.com

New Delhi: Australia's Acting High Commissioner to India, Chris Elstoft, on Thursday thanked the Government of India for the support extended to Australian marathon runner Pat Farmer as he continues on his 'Spirit of India' Run.

"Wherever he has gone, Mr.Farmer and his team have been extended the warmest of welcomes by government officials and the people of India," ANI quoted Elstoft as saying.

Aussie ultra-marathon runner and former Member of Parliament Pat Farmer set off on a 4,600-kilometer-long run, called "Spirit of India" run, on Tuesday from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.

The 53-year-old Farmer is set to traverse the length of India, from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. His run aims to raise funds for the education of Indian girls and to further cement India and Australia ties. 

Elstoft joined Farmer at the launch the run from Kanyakumari on January 26, extended his gratitude to the governments of the 12 states that were hosting the former MP on his journey across India.

Besides the state governments, Indian Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of External Affairs and the state tourism departments had joined hands to help the run, as well as providing logistics and ground support.

The entire run is being filmed for a documentary, showcasing the unseen parts of India.

"An Australian film crew will document the run as Mr Farmer makes his way from the tip to the top of India, helping create awareness about India as a 'must experience' destination," Elstoft added.

The run will finish in Srinagar on March 30.