Niveus Mangalore Marathon features 4,000 participants

“Don’t dream of winning, train for it!” — Mo Farah

Mangaluru: The Niveus Mangalore Marathon, an outstanding celebration of athleticism, community, and endurance, took place on the morning of Nov. 5, 2023, and proved to be a resounding success. The event brought together runners of diverse ages and backgrounds, transforming the city’s streets into a vibrant display of determination and unity.

The event featured approximately 4,000 participants on Nov. 5 with over 100 runners in the Full Marathon (42.2 kms), 600+ in the Half Marathon (21.1 kms), 1,000 in the 10K, 1,350+ in the 5K, and 900+ in the 2K Gammath Run. This year, the NMM attracted international participants from Japan and Denmark, who took part in the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and 2K Gammath Run.

This remarkable turnout underscored the growing interest in fitness and long-distance running. The marathon’s route meandered through some of Mangalore’s most picturesque areas, offering runners breathtaking views of the city and its natural beauty. Participants traversed scenic coastal stretches, creating an unforgettable experience.

The 10K run concluded at the Thannirbhavi ferry point, after which they enjoyed a unique journey back to the city via a ferry ride, further enhancing their experience and adding a touch of adventure to the event.

The day commenced with an energetic warm-up session led by Zeus Fitness, setting the tone for the day’s festivities. Sandeep Patil, IPS IGP, Karnataka State Reserve Police, a passionate fitness enthusiast and runner, took part in the half marathon and officially inaugurated the 21.1 km race. Suyog Shetty, CEO of Niveus Solutions, the event’s title sponsor, joined him in flagging off the race, which saw over 600 enthusiastic participants at 5:15 am.

Distinguished dignitaries, including Mijo Chako Kurian, Asian Games gold medalist; Dinesh Kumar, IPS, DCP Crime & Traffic; Shashir Shetty, Chief Growth Officer of Niveus Solutions; Vijay Moras, Managing Director of CFAL; Vasudev Kamath, Head of Infosys, Mangalore; Yatish Bykampady, Panambur Beach Project CEO; and Sandeep Dsilva, Senior Principal Employee Relations of Infosys Limited, were present to flag off the Full Marathon, 10 km, 5 km, and 2 km races.

This event welcomed runners of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes, promoting inclusivity and a sense of community. Children from the Roman & Catherine Lobo School for the Visually Impaired, the charity partners of the event, also participated, adding a special touch to the event.

Upon crossing the finish line, every runner received a beautiful medal to commemorate their achievement. The medal, designed by the talented artist Surendra Bhakta, prominently features the Yakshagana motif on its front. Yakshagana is an iconic art form of our coastal district, rich in tradition and storytelling. Similar to the themes often seen in Yakshagana performances, where good triumphs over evil, the medal symbolizes the runners’ dedication and sacrifices on their journey to fitness and well-being.

The prize distribution ceremony began with a prayer song by a visually impaired child Aditya from Roman & Catherline Lobo school. The Chief Guest, Honourable Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, U T Khader, encouraged the event to aspire to reach national and international levels, emphasizing the importance of attracting and engaging the youth in running.

He expressed his delight in seeing people of all age groups participating in the run, making it a truly commendable initiative. The Guest of Honor, Mullai Muhilan, IAS, DC of Dakshina Kannada, was very pleased with the event’s participation and congratulated the organizers for promoting the brand Mangalore.

The event was energetically hosted by RJ Anurag, who infused the event with an abundance of enthusiasm, ensuring that all participants had a fantastic time. This remarkable success was made possible by the dedication of the Mangalore Runners Club, led by Race Director Abhilash Dominic who worked tirelessly for months to organize the event.

The event sponsors, volunteers, medical professionals from KMC Hospital, the police force, and local administration provided immense support, including ensuring smooth traffic flow along the route, enhancing the overall runner experience. Hundred plus winners were announced across different race and age categories. The results announced are provisional and will be uploaded on the event’s website after verification.

The Niveus Mangalore Marathon truly marked a historic and unforgettable day, uniting running enthusiasts from all corners of the country in the beautiful city of Mangaluru. It showcased the power of community, fitness, and a shared passion for a healthy lifestyle.