Maharashtra couple runs half-marathon to marry

Satara (IANS): No 'ghodi' (mare), cars, 'saat pheras' or a cacophonic wedding procession for a fitness crazy couple from a Maharashtra village who got married here. Instead, they ran a whopping 25 km to the marriage registrar's office.

The couple from Kaloshi village - bride Poonam R. Chikane and bridegroom Navnath J. Dighe - a professional marathoner, undertook the unique wedding run in order to spread the message of health and well being. Dighe has also completed the annual full Mumbai Marathon in the past.

The duo was clad in a sporting gear of track suits, but both wore the symbolic red turban. The 50-plus 'baraatis' (wedding processionists) were similarly clad in sporting gear of T-shirt and tracks, as hundreds of amused villagers assembled to witness the unusual marriage.

"Our unique marriage was to spread the message of health and physical fitness," a panting Dighe told media after completing the run successfully with his breathless bride.

Another intention for Dighe, a small businessman of printers, and Poonam, a private tutor, was to avoid unnecessary lavish spending on the wedding.

The run started from a common point in Medha to Satara, at the office of the Registrar of Marriages, where they solemnly exchanged vows and garlands amid loud clapping and cheering as they became husband and wife.

According to Dighe, it had taken quite some convincing skills before both the families agreed to this unique marriage and supported them.