” Last year nearly 10,000 runners, this year we are expecting over 15,000 runners for this event. In addition to the half Marathon and 10K Run , this year we have introduced a novel Corporate Run for those from the corporate world, 3km Run for boys and 2 km Run for girls- and special attraction will be “Nama Balepuga”- an open and non-competitive fun run for anyone who would like to join in the adventure. Cash prize money from Rs 1000 up to Rs 30,000 for winners in various categories will be awarded. So register yourself for this great event Manjunath Bhandary-President of DKAA
Mangaluru: It has happened in the past, it will happen again- the prestigious and talk-of-the-town event- the “Nitte Mangaluru Half Marathon and 10K Run” to be commenced from Mangala stadium on Sunday, 22 February 2015. This event organized by the Dakshina Kannada Athletic Association (DKAA) in association with with “Life Is Calling-Bangalore” is sponsored by Nitte Educational Trust. The marathon/Run 2015 aims to involve and create awareness among youth about the sports and fitness; and, to channelize their energy in the right direction.
A press meet to address the happening of the event to the media persons was held at Hotel Ocean Pearl on 20 January, during which the Nitte Marathon Logo was also launched. The coastal district of DK for long has been recognized for its excellence in sports and vibrant sports culture. The district has also produced many national and international athletes of repute. The civil society organizations have always been pro-active in promoting sport activities in the district; and, the administration and the media have always supported such endeavors. Foremost among such organizations is DKAA, and they are actively taking part in organizing the Marathon and the Run again this year, with great expectations of attracting more participants than last year.
Rajshekar-Director of Nitte Educational Institutions welcomed the gathering band introduced the dignitaries on the dais namely- Vinaya Kumar Hegde- Chairman of Nitte Education Trust, and also Chairman of DKAA, Manjunath Bhandary- President, DKAA, Valson- General secretary, Athletic Federation of India, Chandrashekar Rai- Secretary, Karnataka Athletic Association, P B Mithra- MD, Life Is Calling-Bangalore, and Sunil Kumar Shetty-Brand Ambassador of the forthcoming event.
Manjunath Bhandary addressing the gathering said, ” Last year nearly 10,000 runners, this year we are expecting over 15,000 runners for this event. In addition to the half Marathon and 10K Run , this year we have introduced a novel Corporate Run for those from the corporate world, 3km Run for boys and 2 km Run for girls- and special attraction will be “Nama Balepuga”- an open and non-competitive fun run for anyone who would like to join in the adventure. Half Marathon and 10K Run will consist of open category (16-45 years) and senior category (46 and above). In both categories, top three finishers and in the 5km, 3km and 2km top ten finishers will receive prize money”
He further said, ” There will be separate cash prizes for the top three finishers from DK district (15 years and above) in Half Marathon and 10K. Cash prize money from Rs 1000 up to Rs 30,000 for winners in various categories will be awarded. The Mangaluru Marathon -2015 is expected to boost general awareness and interest in sports in the City and to produce athletes of International standard. College and High school students who are not usually involved in physical activities are encouraged to participate”.
The “Nitte Mangaluru 1/2 Marathon & 10K ” logo was officially launched/inaugurated by Vinaya Kumar Hegde with “Sizzling Guys Dance Academy” team performing a dance sequence prior to the launch. Vinay Kumar Hegde in his speech said, “Sports and games are very important for us. They keep us healthy and fit. They offer us a change from the monotony of daily life. It is a useful means of entertainment and physical activity. Sports and games help in character building. They give us energy and strength. Sports and games are means of mental and physical growth. During sports we come to learn many things. Sports develop a sense of friendliness. They develop in us team spirit. They help in developing mental and physical toughness. They shape our body and make it strong and active. They give us energy and strength. They remove tiredness and lethargy. This improves our physical well-being”.
He further said, “Sports and games improve our capability. They improve our efficiency. Either study or work alone makes us exhaust. Sports remove our mental exhaustion. Sports are integral part of education. Education without sports is incomplete. Sports are particularly important for the youth. They help in their physical and mental growth. They contribute in the formation of character. They inculcate in them good values. Sports have great potential to offer career opportunities. So we should take them very seriously from the very early age of our life. Sports are good means of earnings. Sports offer opportunity to prove talents. Thus, sports have great value in life. As a keen lover of sports, I will do anything through financial support to encourage sports among the youth in general, and Nitte Education Trust will be a firm supporter for the good cause of sports”.
Concluding Hegde said, ” It’s sad to note these days High school and college students show lack of interest in sports and athletic activities. We need to convince, encourage the younger generation to take up sporting activities, and I am ready to help such causes through whatever means I can. In few years I expect Mangaluru to be active in sporting events, and I look forward for athletes/sportsmen to bring laurels/name to this city and DK- and no matter where I am, “up or down” (on lighter side vein), I will support and have all my blessings. And I kindly request Manjunath Bhandary to take his political activities to Shivamogga, and show keen interests/dedication to sports in Mangaluru (in lighter side of vein)”.
Yet another brand ambassador for this year Marathon will be Ashwini Nachappa, who couldn’t make it to the press meet. P B Mithra proposed the vote of thanks.
The participants of Nitte Mangaluru Marathon-2015 can register online for 21km Half Marathon and 10K Run by logging to :www.dkathletics.com or www.lifeiscalling-sports.com or call 9448114944 or contact : Event Office, Mangala Stadium, Mangaluru-575003-Ph : 9481067494