Mangalore : Even as hectic preparations are underway for the much awaited Sri Bhoothanatheshwara Cross Country Monsoon Marathon, the organizers have confirmed that the country’s hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay will grace the flag off ceremony at 6:30 a.m, on 15th August 2011, Independence Day. Dhanraj Pillay is one of the world`s best hockey players and one of India`s highest contemporary goal scorers. He is currently the manager of the Indian Hockey team and a member of the Indian Hockey Federation.
Announcing this in a media release Mr. Vijaynath Shetty, the chief co-ordinator of the marathon said: “I am delighted to inform that Mr. Dhanraj Pillay has consented to flag off the marathon. Mr. Pillay is a great sportsman of international repute and he has shown keen interest in our marathon in our other sporting activities. It is an honour for us to have him with us. The presence of a sportsman of his stature will certainly boost the morale of the participants of the marathon and also inspire the budding sports talent of this region.”
Cash prizes totaling over Rs. 7 lakhs will be disbursed to the winners of the marathon, which will commence and end at the Shasthavu Sri Bhoothanatheshawara Temple, Badaga Yedapadavu, Mijar, Mangalore. As announced earlier, Sandalwood stars Pooja Gandhi, Neethu and Shivadwaj too will attend the inauguration of the marathon.
The Guests of Honour are Sri K. Abhayachandra (MLA, Moodabidri), Sri M. Amarnath Shetty (Former Minister), Sri K.P. Jagadish Adhikari (BJP leader), Sri Rajesh Naik Ulipady (Oddoor Farms), Dr. M. Mohan Alva (Chairman, Alva’s Education Foundation), Sri Srikar Prabhu (President, Mangalore City BJP), Mr. Anil Shibad (Solar Consultant, New Jersey, USA), Dr. Bhagwandas Shetty, Mangalore and Dr. Shouri Rai, Uppinangadi. 
Mr. Shetty also added that the Monsoon Marathon has evoked excellent response from the public. “Already we have received more than 1500 confirmed entries and we are expecting a massive turnout for the event. I appeal to all people, especially the village folk to come forward and participate in this marathon which is meant to promote unity among the people.”

Dhanraj Pillay – a profile
Dhanraj Pillay is the former captain of the Indian hockey team. He is currently the manager of the Indian Hockey team.
The early life of Dhanraj Pillay can easily be described as an example of how talented people always make their way out in spite of the strife they are born into. Dhanraj was born on 15th July, 1968 in Khadki, Maharasthra in a family that was suffering from financial crisis. In spite of that financial instability, the youngest member of the family, Dhanraj successfully went forward towards fulfilling his dream of becoming a legendary Hockey player.
After making his international Hockey debut in the year 1989 when he represented the nation in the Allwyn Asia Cup in New Delhi, Dhanraj Pillay got the first major break in the World Cup, Sydney, 1994. In his career spanning from December 1989 to August 2004, he has played 339 international matches, scoring around 170 goals in his career.
He is the only player to have played in four Olympics (1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004), four World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998, and 2002), four Champions Trophies (1995, 1996, 2002, and 2003), and four Asian Games (1990, 1994, 1998, and 2002). India won the Asian Games (1998) and Asia Cup (2003) under his captaincy. He was also the highest goal scorer in the Bangkok Asian Games and was the only Indian player to figure in the World Eleven side during the 1994 World Cup at Sydney.
He is the recipient of India’s highest sporting honour, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award for the year 1999-2000. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2000. Dhanraj is one of the most gifted forwards of his era with a small frame and flowing locks, he could wreak havoc in rival defences. He was awarded the player of the tournament award in the 2002 Champions trophy held at Cologne, Germany.

Categories:
Separate events will be held for men and women in the following categories:
(1) Professionals Half Marathon (All ages / 21 kms.)
(2) Professionals Half Marathon (Children below 16 yaers / 6 kms.)
(3) Halli Marathon (Children below 14 years /4  kms.)
(4) Halli Marathon (Children 14 – 16 years /6  kms.)
(5) Halli Marathon (16 – 50 years /10  kms.)
(6) District Level Halli Marathon (16 – 50 years /10  kms.)
(7) Senior Citizens Marathon (50 – 60 years /10 Kms.)
(8) Senior Citizens Marathon (above 60 years /6 Kms.).
There are multiple prizes in all categories, the highest being Rs. 50,000/- for the first prize winner of Professionals Half Marathon.
• Entry is free.
• For further details contact: 9902965238 / 9845406569 / 98453 32105
• Confirm entry by SMS through 9902965238 / 98453 32105
• E-mail: boothanatheshwara@vijaynath.in

Objective & Theme:
The objective of the marathon is to promote health and hygiene, foster social harmony, cultivate appreciation of rural way of life, awaken appreciation for the rich natural splendour of our countryside and inspire the people to protect the environment and ecology.
The theme of the Marathon is ‘Unity’. Hence people of all communities, castes and religions are welcome. Participants will be required to wear the traditional attire of their particular community to foster pride in one’s community identity and also to develop mutual appreciation and respect for each other’s religion / caste. In the professional sportsperson’s category, collarless white T-shirt and White Shorts, is compulsory dress code for men, while women shall wear collared white T-shirt and shorts.