The Mangalore Runners Club (MRC) transformed their usual Sunday run into a vibrant Mangalore Heritage Run, covering 8 km across the city’s most iconic historical landmarks. Over 100 members, many in colourful cultural attire, set off from the Kanara Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), looping back after exploring Mangaluru’s rich past.
The route wound through Zeenath Baksh Masjid — India’s oldest active mosque — the Old Bunder Spice Market, Vartak Vilas Palace, the Flower Market at Car Street, Ideal Ice Cream, Lady Goschen Hospital, Rosario Church, and the Albuquerque Tiles Factory, famed for its red tiles exported across India. Runners also passed the Old DC Office, a colonial-era administrative hub.
Along the way, members shared historical anecdotes, turning the run into a moving history lesson. The journey ended with a guided tour of KCCI’s Gallery of Trade History of Bunder by architect Niren Jain, showcasing the story of Mangaluru’s bustling port through restored architecture and curated exhibits.
KCCI president Anand G Pai and secretary Aditya Padmanabha Pai welcomed the group, praising the blend of fitness and cultural engagement. Mangaluru’s traffic police ensured safe passage, and participants enjoyed a traditional Mangalurean breakfast to wrap up the morning.
Event conceptualiser Ramesh Babu called it “not just a run, but a celebration of our city’s heritage.” The initiative left participants inspired, proving that community fitness can also be a powerful way to reconnect with history.