Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, Jul 23: After a successful ‘kreedotsava’ (rural games, kabaddi, and cricket tournaments) in the month of February this year which gave Tulunadu games a much-needed boost, Shastavu Shree Bhoothanatheshwara temple will be organising ‘Shree Bhoothanatheshwara Cross Country Monsoon Marathon’ on August 15 in celebration of the monsoon season amidst abundant rains and beautiful greenery.
Addressing a press conference at Hotel Goldfinch on Saturday July 23, Vijaynath Vittal Shetty, chief co-ordinator of the event said that the marathon being organised by Shasthavu Sri Bhoothanatheshwara temple and Sri Bhoothanatheshwara Bhajana Mandali will include separate events for men and women in different categories like professional half marathon (all ages / 21 km), professionals half marathon (children below 16 years / 6 km), 'halli' marathon (children below 14 years/4 km; 14-16 years/6 km; 16-50 years/10 km), district-level halli marathon (16-50 years/10 km) and senior citizens marathon (50-60 years /10 km; above 60 years/6 km).
The marathon events will start at Sri Bhhothanatheshwara temple Badaga Yedapadavu, Mijar, Mangalore at 6.30 am.
There will five prizes in all categories, the highest being Rs 50,000 for the winner of professionals half marathon. In all, cash prize worth over Rs 7 lac will be disbursed to the winners of the marathon.
Shetty said, "In Dakshina Kannada, we are blessed with good rains and there is beautiful greenery all around. We want to encourage people to come out of their homes and celebrate the monsoon season, which is the lifeline of this region."
The theme of the marathon will be unity, as people of all communities, caste and religions will take part. This would also be a star-studded event as sandalwood stars Pooja Gandhi, Neethu and Shivadwaj have already confirmed their presence at the inaugural function, and many more are expected by the organisers.
Entry will be free. Last day for registration is August 10.
Contact: 9902965238, 9845406569, 9845332105.