MUMBAI: India’s first and only family marathon titled ‘SAB Family Funathon’ was successfully flagged off by the country’s leading and light-hearted family entertainment channel SAB TV on Sunday.  This unique and first of its kind fun with fitness initiative has brought together ten thousand families on Sunday and has been considered for the Limca Book of Records as the first family marathon in India. Organized in Ahmedabad, this consumer engagement initiative which celebrated family fun resonates the brand’s promise of ‘Asli Mazaa Sab Ke Saath Aata Hai.’

Wowing the crowds with their presence were SAB TV stars namely Sudeepa Singh, Sharmili Raj and Shreedhar Watsar who were present to propagate the cause of healthy lifestyles whilst encouraging participants at the race. Featuring performances by music bands, stilt walkers and jugglers, the marathon celebrated family fun in a ‘fitting’ manner.  From donning costumes of a ‘fairy godmother’, to a ‘sorceress' to a two year old dressed as a ‘tree,’ the marathon saw families turn up in unique outfits and participating with enthusiasm to be crowned as winners in the categories of ‘Best Anokhi Costume Family’ and ‘Most Entertaining Family’.   The event even saw the ‘Most Courageous Participant’ being awarded to a physically challenged participant.

Providing light hearted and entertaining content to its audiences through its shows such as ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chasmah’, ‘Badi Dooooor Se Aaye Hai’ and ‘Baalveer’, the channel which believes in celebrating special moments with one’s family, has decided it was time to take their on-air entertainment and translate it to an on ground event. 

Commenting on the initiative SAB TV senior EVP and business head Anooj Kapoor said, “SAB Family Funathon is our way of bringing to life what we as a channel proudly profess and stand for.   With most people not making that extra effort to stay fit, we decided to provide entertainment around a run. This being a novel concept, we are overwhelmed with the response we have received from the families which is indicative of people prioritising fitness in their lives.”