KOLLAM: Two athletes are on a marathon to Sabarimala with a demand to make it a world pilgrim centre. Starting from Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, S. Bahuleyan of Dhanuvachapuram and K. Vinu of Mannanthala will cover some 190 km to reach the hill shrine in two days.
Mr Bahuleyan, a temporary staff at the Kollam Sports Council, had entered the Limca book of records by running 660 km from Parassala to Kasargod in 2006.
He finished second in the state school athletics and first in 3,000-metre at the South Zone athletic meet, participated in the Travancore nation marathon for three times and contested over a thousand events of sports clubs across the state. He also turned single marathoner to raise funds to treat cancer patients.
“Our endeavour this time is to elevate Sabarimala into a renowned world pilgrim centre. I have completed several marathons covering the entire state,” he told DC.
In his latest effort, he covered 365 km to Guruvayoor from the state capital.
Mr Vinu is on his first mission to cover a longer distance. An employee of Muttada branch of Federal Bank, he has also participated national, rural and bank Olympiad meets.
The duo will start their run after observing the ritual fasting to meet their deity with their irumudikettu. After reaching before the Secretariat, CPM district secretary Anavoor Nagappan will flag off the marathon by 11.30 am.
