GEM Foundation, a non-for-profit organisation of Gem hospital is organising the first edition of Coimbatore Women’s Marathon as a night run on Feb 25th 2023,6 PM at VOC grounds. This is accredited with the TamilNadu athletic association and is organized as a fundraise initiative to support patients suffering from cancer and to promote women’s safety and empowerment.
A press conference regarding the event was held at GEM Hospital, today with the presence of Prof Dr. Palanivelu, Chairman GEM Hospitals, Dr Praveen Raj, CEO, GEM Hospitals, Dr Sridhar, Deputy Medical Superintendent, Srinivasan, CEO, Chairman of Tamilnadu Athletic Association, Viswanath and Velayutham, Race Directors and they released the Medal and T-shirt to be given to the participants and the total value of prizes that will be awarded to the winners is worth Rs. 3 lakhs.
The invited Chief Guests for this event are P.T. Usha, a retired Indian track and field athlete and the Member of Rajya Sabha, Anitha Pauldurai, Indian Basketball player, Ramya, Fitness Ambassador, Alisha Abdullah, Indian Motorsports Racing Driver.
The Marathon will begin at 6 pm at VOC grounds and end at the same venue. Three km, 5km, 10 km and a 21km run have been planned. It is noteworthy that a 97-year-old woman will be participating in this marathon and 20 Para-Athletes are also participating in this event. More than 3500 women have registered for the event, this makes it one of the largest participation of women in any marathon in Coimbatore.
The route for the 3 km is RTO office road, 5 kms in race course and 10 km to Trichy Road flyover via race course. Balakrishnan, Police Commissioner and the organisers have ensured necessity safety for the runners. A carnival for the runners and their family is also planned alongside after the run. The BIB collection will begin on Feb 24th.
The marathon route will be fully supported by aid stations, hydration points, medical facilities, ambulance services, route markers, course marshals and the finish area with refreshments. Timing chips will be used to keep track of the participants and provide official and personal times.