Over 10,000 people run for cancer awareness in Vodafone Coimbatore Marathon-2014

There was excitement at the starting point of the marathon at VOC park zoo, where runners and a crowd of supporters cheered. Besides the huge number of participants, thousands of people also turned up and encouraged the runners all through the way.

The 21.1-km, half-marathon which had 1,300 plus runners, was flagged off by Mr Samuel, a cancer survivor. The 10-km run, which had over 3,000 runners, was flagged off by managing trustee of Coimbatore Cancer Foundation, Mr Balaji, while the 5-km run, which had over 6,400 runners, was flagged off by collector Archana Patnaik.

Mr Dasari Vasu from Andhra Pradesh, who won the men’s 21.1-km marathon said, “I trained very hard and am elated over clinching the medal.”

Arrangements like aid stations, hydration points, medical facilities, ambulance services, on-course entertainment, course marshals, finish area refreshments were provided all through the route.

Ms R. Poonkodi from Gobichettipalayam, who was ecstatic over winning the women’s half-marathon, said, “Since the start of the event, I ran with an urge to come first, which I did. I really enjoyed taking part in the event.”

Mr Balaji said the marathon received overwhelming response. “While the inaugural edition had 8,300 runners, it has grown much bigger this year. This is another big step for us in our efforts to spread awareness of cancer,” he said.