Mangaluru: “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” said Manjunath Bhandary-President of Dakshina Kannada Athletics Association (DKAA) while addressing media persons during a press meet at Hotel Janatha Deluxe.
The prestigious and talk-of-the-town event- the 4th Edition of “Nitte Mangaluru Half Marathon and 10K Run” wil commence from Mangala stadium on Sunday, 22 February 2015, starting early morning at 6:00 am and will end around 10am. 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.
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.
Manjunath Bhandary further said, “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. 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”.
Bhandary also informed that in response to the invitation the number of entries received so far are : College section-4150; High School-4500; Higher Primary school-3500; Nama Balipuga Fun Run-2500;-Total-14,650. This year the brand ambassadors will be Sunil Kumar Shetty and Ashwini Nachappa. The chief guest for the event will be Dr G Parameshwara-President-KAAA, Bengaluru; Guests of honour will be Ministers Ramanath Rai, Abhaya Chandra Jain, U T Khader, Vinay Kumar Sorake, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MCC Mayor Mahabala Marla, Additional Director General of police-Bengaluru-Amar Kumar Pandey IPS, and Adil Sumariwala-President, Athletic Federation of India. Vinaya Hegde-chairman-Nitte Education Trust and Manjunath Bhandary, will also grace the occasion.
Other invited guests for the event are : MLA J R Lobo, MLA Moideen Bawa; NLC Ivan D’Souza, A B Ibrahim-Deputy Commissioner-DK, Amit Pal-IGP-Western Range, S Nurugan-Police Commissioner, Mangaluru, Tulsi Maddineni-CEO, Zilla Panchayat-DK, and Hephsibarani K-MCC Commissioner.
The participants of Nitte Mangaluru Marathon-2015 for more information can log on to: www.dkathletics.com, orwww.lifeiscalling-sports.com or call 9448114944 or contact : Event Office, Mangala Stadium, Mangaluru-575003-Ph : 9481067494