Mangalore, February 20: Thousands of enthusiasts took part in the twin marathons organised by Dakshina Kannada district administration with the sponsorship of Vijaya Bank under the slogan of “Clean, Green, Progressive Mangalore” on Sunday morning.
The participation of Payyoli Express P T Usha, and golden girls of Indian athletics Reeth Abraham, and Vandana Rao brought a new spirit to the runners of 21km long 'Half Marathon' and 6km long mini-marathon which commenced from Nehru Maidan at 6:30 am and 7:00 am respectively.
After flagging off the Half Marathon, District In-charge Minister Krishna J Palemar expressed hope that the event will emerge as an annual feature on the lines of similar events in Bangalore or Chennai.
Deputy Commissioner Subodh Yadav said the event is the first such experiment by the administration of using sports for a social cause of projecting the need for sustainable development and not losing sight of environmental concerns while treading the path of development.
According to the Dakshina Kannada district administration, it has received more than 7,000 registrations from people, who intend to take part in the half-marathon and the mini-marathon.
In a systematic arrangement, male athletes started off first in the half-marathon followed by the women competitors. And this was followed by starts for participants in the mini-marathon for men and women respectively.
The competitors traversed along a pre-determined course through the length and breadth of the city and the event and culminated at the Mangala Stadium.
Traffic diversion
District administration had made certain changes in the movement of traffic during the course of the event (between 6:30am and 10:00am) to facilitate its smooth conduct, and urged people to cooperate with the police.
While half marathon passed through Pandeshwar, Mangaladevi, Jeppu Market, Valencia, Kankanady, Jyoti Circle, Hampankatta, Navabharath Circle, PVS Circle, City Hospital, Nantoor, Kadri Park, Battagudde, Kadri Kambla Junction, Pinto Bakery Junction, Bejai Road, KSRTC, Kuntikan Road, Infosys, Urwa Store and Chilimbi, before concluding at Mangala Stadium, the mini marathon took the route of Hampankatta, Tagore Park, Jyoti Circle, Bunts Hostel, Karangalpady, Jail Road, Canara College Road, M G Road, Lady Hill, Press Club, Corporation Bank Library Road, and culminated at Mangala Stadium.
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