Pics: Jeevan D’Costa
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Feb 7: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), in collaboration with the Udupi District Amateur Athletic Association (UDAAA), will organize its annual event, the Manipal Marathon, on February 11. The marathon stands as the largest student-organized marathon in the country, taking place in Manipal, Udupi district.
Speaking at the press conference held on February 7, Lt Gen Dr M D Venkatesh, vice chancellor of MAHE, said, “The Manipal Marathon is not just a race; it's a celebration of excellence, a showcase of global participation. I am thrilled to witness the culmination of athletic prowess, global unity, and social responsibility at the Manipal Marathon 2024. Our university has always been at the forefront of fostering not just academic excellence but holistic development. I am incredibly thrilled to see our campus community coming together as we prepare for this event to pursue a healthier lifestyle and a deeper feeling of unity. I express my gratitude and appreciation to everyone involved in organizing this mega marathon.”
Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor of MAHE, said, "I am overjoyed to see the anticipation for our impending marathon growing. With each stride, we are building our college family's unity and friendship in addition to our physical conditioning. The flag-off of the 42km marathon will be held at 5 AM in KMC greens. Physically and visually disabled individuals who participated in the Boston Curve Marathon will also be taking part in the event. I urge everyone participating to embrace the marathon's spirit, relish the experience, and allow it to serve as motivation to live better, more active lifestyles.”
Dr Sharath Rao, pro vice chancellor (Health Sciences) at MAHE, Manipal, said, "We see a potent convergence of enthusiasm, tenacity, and team spirit as we prepare to host the 6th edition of the Manipal Marathon. As it is a student-led drive, this underscores our commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals who are not only academically adept but also socially conscious. The marathon's dedication to raising awareness for 'Hospice' palliative care aligns with our ethos of contributing meaningfully to societal well-being. The funds collected will go towards the cause of ‘the Hospice’. Students from America and Europe will also take part in the event.”
There will a grand carnival from 4.00 am to 10.00 am at Greens Manipal and is open for people and families.
Along with global participants, the marathon will see the participation of over 200 visually impaired individuals from Samarthanam Trust and 150 physically challenged people from all across Karnataka.
The marathon is organized in partnership with ICICI Bank, SBI Bank, Federal Bank, and Bank of Baroda (Credit card division).
Dr Girish Menon, neurosurgeon at KMC Manipal; Dr Naveen Salins from the department of palliative medicine; Dr. Avinash Shetty, medical director at Kasturba Hospital Manipal; Dr Giridar Kini, registrar; Kemparaju, president of Udupi District Amateur Athletic Association; Dr Vinod Nayak, professor from the department of forensic medicine, Sachin Karanth, deputy director, PR and Communications MAHE, and others were present.