Visually challenged to run Mysuru-Bengaluru inter-city marathon

Bengaluru: Visually challenged runners will take part in a three-day Mysuru-Bengaluru inter-city run to spreading awareness on holistic development among different strata of the society.

The ‘Ultra Marathon for and by the visually impaired’ will commence from Mysuru on January 23 and conclude at Bengaluru on January 25, after covering a distance of 150 km.

According to its organisers Samarthanam Trust, an NGO engaged in empowering the specially-abled to lead dignified lives, the event is first of its kind.

“The marathon will begin from Mysore Palace, where Maharani Rajmata Pramoda Devi Wadiyar will flag-off the event,” the organisers said.

Co-founder of Pinkathon and actor Milind Soman and Founder Managing Trustee of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled Mahantesh G.K. are also expected to be present at the starting point.

The run, which also celebrates the spirit of health and well-being, will conclude at a prominent location in Bengaluru on the January 25.

“Six young runners who are visually impaired will lead the marathon, which will also demonstrate their patriotism to honour freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose on on his 122nd birth anniversary,” Mahantesh told Deccan Chronicle.

With the support of able guides, runners aged between 19-24, namely Kavya N, Renuka Rajput, Mala Kolkar, Sunitha N.D, Nandeesha Janardan and Ajay Eranna have undergone all-round training sessions to achieve the fete, organisers added.

Interestingly, the team had recently made a record of becoming India’s first visually impaired athletics team to complete a full marathon (42.195km) at Bengaluru Marathon. The same event had also witnessed 21 year-old B.A student Sunitha named the first visually impaired Indian girl to complete a full marathon.