Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Feb 7: “The most-awaited ‘Manipal marathon 2023’ will begin on February 12 at 5 am in Manipal,'' said, Dr HS Ballal, pro-chancellor, MAHE.
Speaking at a press conference herein Udupi press club he said, “The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in association with Udupi District Amateur Athletic Association and NEB Sports Bengaluru, are proud to announce the 5th edition of the Manipal Marathon on February 12. As the largest student-organized marathon in the country, this event draws thousands of runners from around the world to participate in it. There will be different categories of marathons like the 42k full marathon, 21k half marathon, 10k run, 5k Udupi District Police Drug Awareness run and the 3k Rotary fun run. This year's edition will also see the inception of a special category for differently-abled people. The 42k full marathon will be flagged off at 5 am on February 12 in front of the MAHE administrative building. The other categories will be flagged off subsequently. This year's event is dedicated to create awareness for childhood cancer and raising funds to support those in need of financial assistance for treatment. ICICI Bank has come forward to support the event and they are our title sponsor for the Manipal Marathon 2023. A lot of entertainment activities will also be conducted in the KMC Greens Arena along with the marathon.”
The route of this race is internationally certified by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
Speaking about the event Raghupathi Bhat, MLA Udupi and president of the marathon organizing committee said, “NEB Sports has taken the organizational responsibility of the event. New routes have been decided based on their suggestions. Every year, the craze of marathon is increasing among the citizens here. Many athletes are participating in this event. Participants from abroad also come for this event which is commendable. Athletes from our district should also join in this in large numbers.”
A special three-kilometre run will be held for the physically challenged persons. They will participate on wheelchairs. Already more than 100 participants have registered for the special category.
Dr Kemparaju HB, president Udupi District Amateur Athletic Association, Abithab Deekshith, zonal head ICICI Bank, Nagaraj Adiga, director NEB Sports, Dr Vinod Nayak, sports secretary, sport council MAHE, Dr Shobha, joint secretary, Dinesh Kumar A, secretary, Udupi District Amateur Athletic Association, Dr Deepak Ram Bayari, treasurer, Lacchendra, member, Narayana Devadiga, organizing secretary, Sachin Karanth, chief manager marketing, and others were present.
With 10,000 runners participating and a post-run carnival, the Manipal Marathon promises to be a celebration of health, wellness, and community spirit. The Manipal Marathon has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the most well-organized and enjoyable running events in the country. The event boasts of a huge prize money of more than Rs 16 lac.