Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (NP)

Mangalore, Jun 16: A cross-country monsoon marathon will be organised in the district by Sri Bhoothanatheshwara temple on the occasion of Independence Day this year, at Badaga Yedapadvu, Mijar.

There will be five different - professional sportspersons marathon, villagers half marathon, senior citizens walkathon for above 45 years, children’s marathon, and wheel-chair marathon for the physically challenged citizens.

A total prize of Rs 7 lac will be distributed among the winners. There will be three prizes in all categories. The winner in the professional sportspersons will get Rs 1 lac while those in other categories will get Rs 25,000 each. In children's category the top prize will be Rs 15,000.

"Following the appreciations for earlier ventures like village games, kabaddi and cricket tournaments held here we are keen to organise this marathon to promote these activities during monsoon. Our city is blessed with abundant rain so we want to encourage people to come out of their homes and celebrate the season," said Sri Vijaynath Vittal Shetty, the chief co-ordinator of the event.

The theme of the marathon is 'Unity'. Organisers say that the event is aimed at bringing social harmony and will also give urban people a sense of the rural life and inculcate love for nature. Entry for the marathon is free and only spot registrations will be accepted.