Madikeri: A road marathon and a cycling rally was organized with sole aim to protect forest wealth in and around Birunani village, adjoining Nagarahole reserve forest in South Kodagu on November 7.
The rally organised by coorgexpress.com drew huge crowds and two youth namely Ricky Monnappa and Vikas Achaiah took lead in hosting the running and cycling events, sponsored by Ibnii spa and resorts. Enthusiastic participants from Karumbaiah Academy for Learning and Sports (KALS), Coorg Institute of Technology, Halligattu and students of Pragathi educational institution, Balele arrived ahead of schedule in buses to take part in the day’s events.
Local environmentalist K Bose Madappa flagged off the 21kms marathon at KKR junction.
In the cycling rally from KKR junction to Kadamakolli, Mukkattira Roshan, Kirumdanada Sachin and Tanachira Cariappa grabbed top honours. MLC Shanteyanda Veena Achiah planted a sapling at Kadamakolli and showered praises on the event organizers and expresses happiness at the exuberance displayed by the participating youth .
In the 21 km marathon, Shridhar, Kodi Jeetan and Sukesh were declared winners. While Jeetan covered the entire stretch bare foot, Vinolia was the lone female contender who completed the race successfully drawing huge applause from the crowd.
In the 10 km race for boys, Ayyappa, Sanjeev Kumar and Lingaraju were declared victors and among girls Nellamakkada Cauvery and S T Arpitha grabbed the top positions.
In the 5 Km category for boys Arjun, Samath and Somanna were declared victors while Ranjitha, Vaishnavi and Simone among girls won top medals. All participants were given similar medals for participating in the events.
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