Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Feb 28: For the first time at least in this part of the world, hundreds of people on Sunday February 28 descended on the streets of the city to participate in the 'Run for Fish Marathon' promoting the consumption and conservation of fish.
The marathon was organized as part of the upcoming 'Mathsyamela 2016' to be held in the city on March 4 to 6 Dr TMA Pai International Convention Center. The event, known as the Great Indian Fish Festival, is being organized by the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar in collaboration with department of fisheries, government of Karnataka, National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad and Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation, Mangaluru.
The marathon was flagged off at Corporation Bank head office in Pandeshwar by general manager of Corporation Bank Lakshminath Reddy.
Addressing the gathering, Reddy said, "This is perhaps the first time in entire India or the world that a marathon is being held for the cause of fish. We have seen people holding marathons for the cause of healthy heart and kidney, but this is the first of its kind marathon being held to spread awareness on the importance of conserving and consuming fishing. I am lucky to be part of this marathon. College of Fisheries is the first college in Asia to hold such a programme."
The marathon began from Corporation Bank head office and passed through Hampankatta, Jyothi, Kankanady, Pumpwell and culminated at College of Fisheriess in Yekkur. Over 250 runners took part.
In the men's section, Rakesh won the marathon while in women's section, Lucia from Sweden came first. In the boys' category, Venugopal won the top spot while Ayesha clinched the first place in girls' category.
Dr Shankar K M, dean of College of Fisheries and chairman of 'Mathsyamela 2016', M N Venugopal, professor, College of Fisheries, Dr Shivakumar Magada, professor and organizing secretary, College of Fisheries and others were present.