The Walkaroo Coimbatore Marathon is recognized by the Tamil Nadu Athletic Association and the Coimbatore District Athletic Association. The marathon comprises three events, a 21.1 km run (half marathon), a 10 km run and a 5 km run/walk.
Coimbatore: The 'Walkaroo Coimbatore Marathon' fever is all set to grip the city once again. This tenth edition of the event has over 16,500 participants registered for the event. The organizers unveiled the official t-shirt and medals that finishers will receive on the Race Day which is scheduled to be held on Sunday, December 11.
The marathon brought to the city by Coimbatore Cancer Foundation (CCF) in association with Coimbatore Runners & Show Space Events, not only celebrates the spirit of Coimbatore but also the benevolence of the city as it is held in aid of CCF, a registered charitable trust dedicated to the counselling, care and support of cancer patients and their family members.
Through the Marathon, CCF has increased awareness about cancer, helped provide early detection with the help of screening camps along with follow up care and offer counselling for patients and their family as well. Apart from these, in the field of palliative services and end of life care, CCF offers hospice and home care for the terminally ill. Going a step further, CCF also offers grief and bereavement services, helping people deal with their loss.
The Walkaroo Coimbatore Marathon is recognized by the Tamil Nadu Athletic Association and the Coimbatore District Athletic Association. The marathon comprises three events, a 21.1 km run (half marathon), a 10 km run and a 5 km run/walk. The prize money amounting to over Rs.2.5 lakh will be presented to the winners in separate categories for men and women.
The prize money for the Half Marathon (21.1 km run) will be Rs.25,000, Rs.15,000 and Rs.10,000 respectively for the first, second and third place winners, while for the top three spots in the 10 km category, the prize money will be Rs.15,000, Rs.10,000 and Rs.5,000 respectively.
In the veteran’s category, the prize money for the top three finishers in the Half Marathon will be Rs.15,000, Rs.10,000 and Rs.5,000 respectively, while for the 10 km run, the first and second place winners will receive Rs.10,000 and Rs.7500 with the third-place finisher taking home Rs.5,000.
The Marathon route will be fully supported by aid stations, hydration points, medical facilities, ambulance services, route markers, course marshals and the finish area will be replete with refreshments etc. Timing chips will be used to keep track of the participants and provide official and personal times.
V K C Noushad , Managing Director, Walkaroo International Private Ltd. said, "Walkaroo is privileged to associate with the Coimbatore Cancer Foundation for the 10th edition of the Coimbatore Marathon. It is really heartening to see over 16,000 registrations this year. At Walkaroo, we always strive to create an awareness among people on the importance of daily walks and runs for a healthy tomorrow and this event resonates with our brand’s vision - 'Walk with Walkaroo.'
This initiative to raise cancer awareness has made great strides, and we dedicate it to all the warriors who are determined to make a difference. I extend my wishes to all the runners for a successful completion of their respective categories.”
Dr. Balaji, Managing Trustee CCF said, “We are overwhelmed by the enthusiasm in the way the 10th edition of our Coimbatore Marathon is embraced by Kovai. This edition truly doubles our excitement. Our supporting partners are back and a few new partners have joined in to support the cause. Runners are lacing up with newer goals and the event promises to be an all-new experience and strives to gain more strength to fight cancer.
This has motivated us and given us an enormous responsibility to help and serve those afflicted by cancer and those with chronic disease. CCF’s initiative in palliative care has gone beyond cancer and now addresses those with chronic diseases, thereby reducing their suffering and improving their quality of life. Having moved into our new premises, we have increased the scope and spectrum of our services.
Every step you take or run, goes a long way in touching the lives of many. On their behalf and on behalf of CCF, I say a Big Thank You to all the participants. Please continue to run for a good cause. We are grateful to the city and all stakeholders for helping us continue the legacy for the 10th year.”
Ramesh Ponnuswami, Race Director, Coimbatore Marathon, said, “After two years of conducting the Coimbatore Marathon in virtual mode, we are very excited to be back on the road and support the cause of the Coimbatore Cancer Foundation. This is our 10th edition, a very special year and a significant milestone for us. When we started out in 2013, our intent was to make Coimbatore a 'Marathon City' and we are pleased that this has become a reality, with our event growing from strength to strength over the years.
Our theme for this year is 'Odapolaama' and the citizens of Coimbatore and the running community from across the country have provided their overwhelming support to our call for registrations. We closed registrations 42 days before the event date, as we crossed our targeted number of over 16,500 registrations.
Thanks to the tremendous support from the Coimbatore City Police, Coimbatore Corporation, District Administration and various organisations, our Operations Team with the support of over 1500 volunteers on Race Day is committed to providing a world class experience to every participant. We are very excited and look forward to Race Day on Sunday, 11th December, and to everyone achieving their fitness and well-being goals through our Marathon and beyond.”
For more information, those interested can email the organisers at [email protected]