Pics: Justin D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Feb 13: The most awaited ‘Manipal Marathon 2023’ was held on Sunday February 12 at Manipal. More than 12,000 sports enthusiasts participated in the world class marathon organized by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), in association with NEB Sports Bengaluru, Udupi District Amateur Athletic Association, and Rotary Club Manipal town.
The event was powered by ICICI Bank. The fifth edition of Manipal Marathon highlighted creating awareness about childhood cancer and raised funds for the same.
The 42 k, 21 k, 10 k, 5 k and 3 k marathons were held in various categories. The first marathon of the day, 42 k marathon was flagged off at 5 am by Atul Jain, regional head ICICI Bank in the presence of Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor MAHE Dr MD Venkatesh, vice chancellor MAHE Dr Kemparaju, president Udupi District Amateur Athletic Association, Abhayachandra Jain, trustee Mahaveer College Moodbidri and other dignitaries.
Addressing the athletes, Dr H S Ballal said, “I am very happy that a large number of people are participating in this marathon. There are more than 200 participants for the 42 k full marathon. The theme of this year’s marathon is – childhood cancer. Today cancer is a curable disease if detected and treated early. I am happy that ICICI Bank has sponsored this event. This year, we have a special category where the specially-abled persons are participating.”
Lt Gen Dr MD Venkatesh, vice chancellor MAHE and Dr Sudharshan Ballal, chairman MHEPL flagged off the 21 k half marathon.
Lt General Dr MD Venkatesh said, “Manipal Marathon is recognized as a marathon with difference. It always has a social theme and cause to support. This year’s theme is about raising awareness about childhood cancer and raising funds for the treatment of poor children. Early childhood cancer detection leads to cure of the disease. I want to thank all our sponsors for their generosity.”
Dr Vasudev Bhat, pediatric oncology said, “In India, every year nearly 80,000 children are diagnosed with cancer. This is an important step in creating awareness. Childhood cancer can be cured if detected at the earliest. I thank MAHE for providing this opportunity.”
Dr D C Agarwal, consultant health sciences and Dr Vasudev Bhat, flagged off the 10 k marathon run.
Police superintendent Hakay Akshay Machindra, Udupi deputy commissioner Kurma Rao M, and MLA Raghupati Bhat flagged off the 5 k marathon run, which promoted the slogan ‘Say no to Drugs’. Police personnel also participated in the 5 k run.
For the first time in Manipal Marathon, specially-abled and physically handicapped also participated in a special 3 k marathon organized exclusively for them.
Dr Sulatha Bhandary, president Mahila Samaja Manipal; Ramachandra Upadhyaya, assistant governor Rotary Club; Raviraj, Softpro Business Solutions; Ranjan Kalukura, managing director Kalkura Refrigeration and Kitchen Equipment; Purushotham Shetty, Ujwal Developers; Ravindra Rai, Bank of Baroda, Nithyananda Nayak, president Rotary Club Manipal town; Dr Gurumurthy, secretary Rotary Club Manipal town; Indira S Ballal and Kusuma Venkatesh flagged off the various categories of 3 k marathon.
Various activities, dance and zumba sessions were also organized for refreshing the athletes.
Prizes were distributed to the winners in a grand event held at KMC Greens, Manipal.
Dr Sharath K Rao, pro-chancellor; Dr Narayan Sabhahit, pro vice-chancellor; Dr Dilip G Naik, pro vice-chancellor; CG Muthanna, chief operating officer; Dr Giridhar Kini, registrar; Dr Anil Rana, director MIT and others distributed the prizes along with other dignitaries.
Dr Vinod Nayak, secretary sports council, rendered the vote of thanks. Anurag compered the programme.
Results:
Half Marathon - Women
1. Archana KM
2. Preemu Yadav
3. Dhanusha Shetty
Half Marathon - Men
1. Shivam Yadav
2. Parasappa M Halijol
3. Sahil Annigeri
10 k - Women
1. Chaithra Devadiga
2. Chaithra P
3. Manya KM
10 k - Men
1. Anila Kumara
2. Monu Kumar
3. Shreedhara SN
Full Marathon - Women
1. Bijoya Barman
2. Susan Chebet
3. Deepika Prakash
Full Marathon - Men
1. Nanjundappa Yellapa
2. Issac Kemboi Komon
3. Sachin Poojary
5 k - Women
1. Rekha Piroji
2. Roopshree NS
3. Isheeta Dhruv
5 k - Men
1. Ajay Thakur
2. Nandan Kumar
3. Lara Francis Siddi
Half Marathon - women 45 - 60 years
1. Pritiva Silvalobo
2. Beena Fernandes
3. Chinthana Patkar
Half Marathon - women - 60+ years
Sulatha Kamath
Half Marathon - Women - MAHE Student
1. Lishita Bopanna
2. Himanshi Sharma
3. Sishita Chandra
Half Marathon - women - MAHE staff below 40 years
1. Athira R Nair
2. Rekha