The Sports Ministry is set to organise the largest country-wide run, the Fit India Freedom Run from August 15 to October 2, which boasts of a unique concept. In keeping with the current pandemic situation and social distancing norms, the government has decided to encourage participants of the event to run at their own pace - anywhere and at any time of their convenience. Additionally, they can break up their runs over several days in this period. The total kilometers clocked can be tracked using a Global Positioning System (GPS) watch or manually.

The mega-event will be launched by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Kiren Rijiju on August 14. This event is targeted to encourage fitness among the masses while following Covid-19 protocols. Speaking about the event, Shri. Rijiju said, "The Fit India Freedom Run is yet another endeavour to strengthen the Fit India Movement envisaged by our Prime Minister and involve our citizens to embrace fitness as a way of life. This event is even more important at this time because staying fit is the key to building strong immunity, which is the need of the hour to fight Covid 19."

Individuals and organisations can register for the event on the Fit India website. The event is being organised to mark the 74th Independence Day of India on August 15 to 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2.

The motto of the ‘Freedom Run’ is to encourage fitness and help citizens to get freedom from obesity, laziness, stress, anxiety and other diseases. In the recent past as well, Fit India has organized numerous big scale events such as Fit India Plog Run and Fit India Cyclothon to take the message of fitness to the masses.

Meanwhile, the Nation will celebrate the 74th Independence Day tomorrow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation in celebrating the Independence Day at the majestic Red Fort in New Delhi. Prime Minister will unfurl the National Flag and address the nation from the ramparts of the iconic monument. Security has been tightened in the National Capital in view of the celebrations. A full dress rehearsal was held at the Red Fort yesterday for the Independence Day celebrations.

In view of Covid-19 situation, the Delhi police has requested the invitees to follow guidelines issued by Union Home Ministry and Health Ministry at all times while they are in the function area at Red Fort. Around four thousand security personnel will be deployed for the ceremony and they will stand maintaining social distance.

There will be a multi-layer security ring, including NSG snipers, elite SWAT commandos and kite catchers around the monument. Flying of sub-conventional aerial platforms like UAVs, paragliders and hot air balloons in the national capital have been prohibhited till tomorrow due to security reasons. Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory to ensure safe and smooth vehicular movement across the national capital on Independence Day.