Mangaluru: The early hours of Sunday came alive with the cheerful sound of bicycle bells as more than 1,260 children participated in the Ideal Mangalore Cyclothon, sending out a strong message of road safety, physical fitness, and community bonding. The event witnessed the highest-ever participation since its inception, marking a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to promote healthy lifestyles among children.
Enthusiastic start before sunrise
Dressed uniformly in event T-shirts and equipped with their bicycles and safety gear, children accompanied by their parents began assembling at Mangala Stadium as early as 5.30 am. What started as a steady gathering soon turned into a sea of eager young cyclists, with participation swelling rapidly within an hour. Organisers confirmed that this edition recorded a turnout of over 1,260 participants, making it the largest cyclothon held under the Ideal Mangalore banner so far.
The excitement among the children was palpable as they prepared to take part in the ride, many of them experiencing a large-scale cycling event for the first time. Parents were seen encouraging their wards, highlighting the family-oriented spirit of the event.
Flag-off by city officials and sponsors
The cyclothon was officially flagged off at 7.15 am from the Mangala Stadium entrance. Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, along with Dr Savil of Kasharp Fitness, Shivanand Rao of Grahini Masala, and Mutalib SM of Taj Cycles, jointly inaugurated the event.
Addressing the gathering briefly, the dignitaries appreciated the organisers for creating a platform that combines fitness, discipline, and road safety awareness for children. The presence of senior officials also reinforced the importance of responsible cycling and adherence to traffic rules.
Senior cyclists lead the route
A team of experienced cyclists from the city led the procession, ensuring discipline and pace throughout the ride. Renowned cyclists including Joseph Pereira, Shymprasad Nayak, Brayan Deena, Harivijay Kudva, Yashwanth Rao, Ashok Lobo, Varun, Vimlesh, and others rode at the front, guiding the participants along the designated route.
Adding inspiration to the event were young cycling talents Gleona D’Souza and Hardik Rai, who have made a mark at the state and national levels. Riding alongside the children, they motivated the young participants through interaction and encouragement, demonstrating that dedication and discipline can lead to sporting excellence.
Well-planned route across the city
The participants navigated a carefully planned route that balanced safety with visibility across prominent city landmarks. The route covered Mangala Stadium, Lady Hill, Pabbas, City Corporation, Canara College, Jail Road, Karangalpady, PVS, and MG Road, before culminating at Canara School, Urwa Ground.
Throughout the ride, the children displayed remarkable enthusiasm and discipline, maintaining formation and following instructions issued by volunteers and ride marshals.
Traffic management and safety arrangements
Mangaluru City Traffic Police played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the event. Personnel were stationed at every major junction along the route, effectively regulating traffic and ensuring the safety of the participants. Volunteers, positioned at regular intervals, guided the children and assisted them wherever required.
Medical preparedness was also prioritised. AJ Hospital supported the event by providing first-aid services and an ambulance stationed along the route, ensuring immediate response in case of any emergency. Taj Cycles arranged a backup vehicle to handle mechanical issues or breakdowns during the ride.
Sponsors and community support
The cyclothon received strong backing from local businesses and organisations. Ideal Ice Cream came on board as the main sponsor, while Grahini Masala and Kasharp Fitness supported the event as sponsors. Their involvement underscored the growing corporate interest in promoting health, fitness, and social responsibility initiatives in the city.
Organisers acknowledged that such large-scale participation would not have been possible without the combined support of sponsors, volunteers, police personnel, and parents.
Lucky draw adds excitement
Adding to the excitement, a lucky draw was conducted at the end of the event. Two participants, Prajwal and Pawan, won brand new bicycles sponsored by Mutalib SM of Taj Cycles. The winners were selected based on their event registration confirmation, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
Conclusion
The Ideal Mangalore Cyclothon concluded on a high note, reinforcing the message of “We care for safety, we care for fitness, and we care for each other.” With record-breaking participation and seamless coordination, the event stood as a testament to the city’s commitment towards nurturing healthy habits among children. Organisers expressed hope that the cyclothon would continue to grow in scale and impact in the coming years, inspiring more families to embrace cycling as a way of life.