Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Pics: Punik Digitals

Mangaluru, Feb 22: Thousands of people filled the streets of the city on Sunday February 22, to take part in the Nitte Mangaluru half marathon and 10 km run organized by Dakshina Kannada Athletic Association (DKAA).

The event, sponsored by Nitte Education Trust, was flagged off at 6 am from outside Mangala stadium.

Athlete Ashwini Nachappa, KPCC president Dr Parameshwar, health minister U T Khadar, sports minister Abhaychandra Jain, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, and district incharge minister Ramanath Rai inaugurated the various categories of the event. Mayor Mahabala Maarla, Nitte Education Trust chairman Vinaya Hegde and others were present.

The half marathon had nearly 20,000 participants of all ages, men and women and boys and girls. The route passed through Lady Hill, Mannagudda, Car Street, Navabharat Circle, PVS, MG Road and back to Mangala stadium.

The event was organized with an aim to create awareness among the youth about sports and fitness and to stress on the need to channelize their energy in right direction.

The event comprised both competitive and non-competitive categories. The half marathon had two categories namely open category (16-45 years) and senior category (46-60 years). The 10 km run consisted of three categories - open category (16-45 years), senior category (46-60 years), and veteran category (61 years and above).

As a special incentive, six special cash prizes were awarded to top six winners in the open category (16-45 years) of half marathon and 10 km run. Top three winners in senior category (46-60) of half marathon and 10 km run as well as top three winners in veteran category of 10 km run also received prizes.

To attract youngsters, the half marathon also included a competitive category of five km run for college and high school boys and girls, and three km and two km runs for primary school boys and girls respectively.

An open and non-competitive 'Nama Balipuga 5 km Fun Run' was also held.