Daiiworld Media Network—Mangalore (TU/CN)

Mangalore, Sep 30: The second national veterans half-marathon and mini-marathon championship 2008 will he held in the city for the first time on Wednesday October 1. The event is being organized by DK and Udupi district Masters' Athletic Association, Mangalore in association with Karnataka State Masters' Athletic Association, Bangalore.
 
Deputy commissioner (DC) Maheshwara Rao, superintendent of police (SP) N Sathish Kumar, Sumanth, managing director (MD), MESCOM, Rotarian Yogish Kumar, B G Baliga, deputy general manager, Corporation Bank, and K S Kodandarame Gowda, president, DKUMAA, will flag off the veterans' marathon from Mangala Stadium, Mannagudda, at 6 am. District in-charge minister J Krishna Palemar will be the chief guest for the valedictory function to be held at 10 am. MLA Yogish Bhat and mayor Ganesh Hosabettu will also participate in the function.

Addressing media persons, Kodandarame Gowda, treasurer, Veterans' Athletic Federation of India, said that as many as 350 national and international-level athletes will participate in the meet. In the men's section, those aged between 35 - 80 can participate in 12 different categories. In the women's section, those aged between 35 - 60 can participate.

Gowda added that 89-year-old Shankarnath Pawar from Maharashtra and 93-year-old Monish from the city will be the special attractions. The meet is open to all veterans and any number of athletes can participate in the event.