Mangaluru: With an aim to create awareness among the youth about sports and fitness the Nitte half-marathon was held here in the city on Sunday February 22, organized by Dakshina Kannada Athletic Association (DKAA).
Several participated in the event, sponsored by Nitte Education Trust, which was flagged off at 6 am from outside Mangala stadium. The route passed through Lady Hill, Mannagudda, Car Street, Navabharat Circle, PVS, MG Road and back to Mangala stadium.
The event comprised both competitive and non-competitive categories. The half marathon had two categories namely open category (16-45 years) and senior category (46-60 years). The 10 km run consisted of three categories – open category (16-45 years), senior category (46-60 years), and veteran category (61 years and above).
As a special incentive, six special cash prizes were awarded to top six winners in the open category (16-45 years) of half marathon and 10 km run. Top three winners in senior category (46-60) of half marathon and 10 km run as well as top three winners in veteran category of 10 km run also received prizes.
To attract youngsters, the half marathon also included a competitive category of five km run for college and high school boys and girls, and three km and two km runs for primary school boys and girls respectively.mAn open and non-competitive ‘Nama Balipuga 5 km Fun Run’ was also held.
Athlete Ashwini Nachappa, KPCC president Dr Parameshwar, health minister U T Khadar, sports minister Abhaychandra Jain, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, and district incharge minister Ramanath Rai inaugurated the various categories of the event. Mayor Mahabala Maarla, Nitte Education Trust chairman Vinaya Hegde and others were present.
