Kannur: As many as 1,000 Kannurites will run the 10-km stretch of the picturesque Payyambalam beach here on November 15 aiming to put the city on the global tourism map.
The programme, ‘Beach Run’ being organsied by the North Malabar Chamber of Commerce (NMCC) will have the participation of Kannurites living in Australia, the US, the UK and from Indian metros like New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and Bangalore.
“Beach Run is not popular in the state except in Kochi. Through the programme, we want to project the tourism potential of Kannur, especially that of the breathtaking beaches.
The tourism sector will take a leap after the commissioning of the Kannur international airport which is expected to take place in December,” said NMCC president Sushil Aaron.
Kannur district administration has promised all support to the event which also carries awareness on diabetes, as a part of the world diabetic day which falls on November 14.
NMCC treasurer Rafeek. A.K was of the opinion that a tourism circuit connecting Payyambalam and Muzhapilangad beaches would definitely attract international tourists to the region thereby giving an impetus to the entire region. The organizers have planned to make the beach-run an annual event.
An official at the Kannur district tourism promotion council (DTPC) told Deccan Chronicle that a heritage tourism project comprising historical sites in Thalasserry and the beaches were actively pursued by the government but lost steam midway.
“The coming of the airport provides an ample opportunity to tap the hitherto tourism potential of the region,” he added.
