KOZHIKODE: The 10th edition of the Calicut half marathon 2019 with the theme of 'United Kerala' will be organised at the Kozhikode Beach area at 5. 30 a.m. on Sunday. The marathon celebrates the power of unity shown by the people of Kerala during the 2018 floods.
Over the past nine years, the marathon has been taking up unique causes every year. It has focused on critical issues of women empowerment, rights of differently-abled people, waste management, organ donation, healthy living and eco-friendliness. The event will be supported by 250 members of the Defence Security Corps (DSC Centre) of Kannur. The DSC Kannur had also rescued hundreds of lives during the floods. They supported the Indian armed forces by executing 'Operation Sahyog' in the northern regions of Kerala, the organisers said.
Major R. Hemant Raj of 28 Madras Regiment will also be felicitated at the half marathon. He was one of the heroes who joined hands to rescue more than 900 people stuck in isolated areas during the floods. Though he was on leave for celebrating Onam with his family, he threw himself into the relief operations. He organised a local rescue team comprising soldiers on leave, ex-servicemen, local youth and college students. He also enlisted the services of local fisherman who had high-powered boats that rescued over 900 people, including aged, women and children
Some 250 members of the IAP (Indian Academy of Paediatrics) have also registered for the marathon. IAP is the largest and most representative association of paediatricians in India, which is involved in social and academic activities related to child health.
The marathon will start from beach (in front of All India Radio office) and finish at Shri Gujarati Vidyalaya higher secondary school. The marathon features three categories, a 21-km half marathon, a 10-km mini marathon, which are competitive races, and a three-km 'Dream Run,' a non-competitive run featuring people from all walks of life.
