Mangaluru: The second edition of Manipal marathon which is named as ‘Manipal Silver Marathon’ and aims to create awareness for the cause ‘drug free is the way to be’ will be bigger and better, said Dr HS Ballal, pro chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education. It will be held on February 11 in MAHE, Manipal Campus.

MAHE, Udupi District Amateur Athletic Association and Academy of General Education (AGE) in association with Adani and Syndicate Bank will organise the event. “Last year the response was good and this year we expect it to be better,” Ballal said while addressing mediapersons, here on Wednesday.
The marathon will be also special for the deemed to be university.

The year 2018 is special for MAHE, celebrating its Silver Jubilee, and AGE commemorating its Platinum Jubilee. The marathon therefore, will be Manipal Silver Marathon,” said Dr H Vinod Bhat, vice chancellor, MAHE.

Last year, a few national and international runners took part the marathon and this year many more have expressed their willingness to participate. That apart, thousands of others from all walks of life will take part in the event.

Giving details about the race itself, Dr Vinod Nayak, Secretary MAHE Sports Council said; “The marathon carries a prize money of Rs 7. 8 lakh. The first placed runner, both in the men and women’s sections will take home Rs 75,000.

The second prize will be Rs 35,000 and the third Rs 20,000.” He added; “There will be five races: 21.1 Km timed run (Men and Women). 10 Km timed run (Men and Women). 5 Km timed run (Men and Women). 5 Km fun run and 3 Km fun run. The runs will be flagged off between 6am and 7.30am from the manipal.edu building”.

About the registration, Dr Anitha Guru, joint secretary MAHE Sports Council said; “All participants will have to register for the run.”
MAHE’s Volunteer Services Organization (VSO) will play an important role in the smooth conduct of the marathon. The volunteers will be present along the routes at the water stations and will also help in controlling traffic.

Dr Anup Naha, Convenor of VSO said that in addition to ensuring smooth conduct of the races, the volunteers would also organize some games at KMC Greens and put up stalls to educate people about the consequences of drug abuse. Games like dodgeball and slow cycling, a kids zone and other activities will be organised.