New Delhi, Aug 14 (IANS): The Fit India Freedom run, launched by Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, has found support from a host of government and private organisations, the ministry said on Friday.

Armed forces including the Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will participate in the largest country-wide run.

They will be joined by the Indian Railways, CBSE and ICSE schools. Fitness corporates Procam and Goqii will also join hands, said the ministry in a statement.

This is besides the participation from the 75-lakh volunteer base of the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and the National Service Scheme (NSS) of the youth affairs department, and the country-wide presence of trainees of the Sports Authority of India.

Participants can run at their own place (wherever they are) and at their own pace (at a time convenient to them) between August 15, the 73rd Independence Day and October 2, the 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

"If we can galvanise all employees, their families and the larger community to participate in the run, it will be a fitting tribute to the spirit of independence," said Rijiju.

"Like the Director General of BSF said, the BSF jawans and the people around the border areas will be running holding up flags in the early morning and there cannot be a better boost to your patriotism and this helps tremendously in the way you think and perform as a citizen of India.

"The culture in our forces is beautiful. It will be a massive exercise if our CRPF, BSF and ITBP forces lead the freedom run. This Freedom Run will be like a celebration and festival."