Walkaroo Coimbatore Marathon is all set to captivate the city once again. The tenth edition of the event has more than 16,500 registration. The organizers along with Balakrishnan I.P.S, Coimbatore District Commissioner of Police, unveiled the official t-shirt and medals that the finishers will receive on Race Day, which is scheduled to be held on Sunday, 11th December 2022. The marathon is said to initiate from the Park Gate through the new flyover at Trichy Road, east club road and then touching the Anna statue and concluding at the Stanes ground.
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. Completing 28 years of service, CCF has moved into a new premise on Trichy Road and is now more accessible to all those in need of its services.
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 offered counselling for patients and their families as well.
The Wallaroo Coimbatore Marathon is recognized by the Tamil Nadu Athletic Association & 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.
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/- & Rs. 10,000/- respectively for the first, second and third place holders, while for the top three places in the 10 km category prize money will be Rs. 15,000/-, Rs. 10,000/- & 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 & Rs. 5,000/- respectively, while for the 10 km run the first and second place will receive Rs. 10,000/- & Rs. 7500/- with the third-place finisher taking home Rs. 5,000/-.
The current year has witnessed an increase in the number of participants from other parts of the country. Kerala, Karnataka and Telangana lead the numbers, whereas 85% of Coimbatorians have registered for the same. As many as 11,000 participants from various corporate facilities have registered.
Addressing the press, Balakrishnan IPS discussed the need for awareness and applauded this massive initiative in creating a tremendous change among the public. He announced his participation in the half marathon as a note of support for the cause of the marathon.
VKC Noushad, Managing Director, Walkaroo International Private Limited., said, “Walkaroo is privileged to associate with the Coimbatore Cancer Foundation for the 10th edition of the Coimbatore Marathon. At Wallaroo, we always strive to create 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 successful completion of their respective categories”
Speaking on occasion, 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 few new partners to support the cause. Runners are lacing up with newer goals, 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 diseases. 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.”
Meanwhile, commenting on the initiative, Dr. Jairam Varadaraj, Managing Director, Elgi Equipments Ltd., said, “We are much glad to be associated with a purposeful cause in bringing a greater change in the society. The very need for awareness among the public regarding cancer is a must and it is much convincing to know that a lot of newcomers join the marathon every year.”
Ramesh Ponnuswami, Race Director, Coimbatore Marathon, said, “After 2 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 10 edition, a very special year and a significant milestone for us. Our theme for this year is Odopalooma and the citizens of Coimbatore and the running community from across the country have provided their overwhelming support to our call for registrations. So much so that we closed registrations 42 days before the event date, as we crossed our targeted number of 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 1,500+ volunteers on Race Day is committed to providing a world-class experience to every participant.”
