People from ‘Namma Kudla’ (Mangaluru) can witness the ‘Big Balipu’ (Balipu is Tulu for run) on Sunday with Mangalore Round Table 115 set to organise ‘The Marian Big Balipu Marathon’ at the Tannirbhavi beach. According to the organisers, the event will be the first full marathon in Kudla.
The Big Balipu will be divided into three segments — a 21-km full marathon, a 10-km run and a 5-km run. The runs are scheduled early in the morning in order to avoid the scorching April sun. The 21-km marathon will begin at 5.15 a.m. from Tannirbhavi beach, pass through Kulur bridge, come back to Tannirbhavi, move towards Bengre along the beach and again return to Tannirbhavi.
The 10-km run will start at 6 a.m., and the 5-km one at 6.30 a.m., said Deepak Ramani, a member of Mangalore Round Table.
The event has many specials, including official timing chips, and certificates and medals for all finishers. Cash prizes will also be given to the top three, Mr. Ramani said.
The timing chips, which all the participants have to wear, will automatically beam the timing whenever they cross the timing mat. This will help the organisers to find out the exact time taken by every participant.
The organisers have made provisions for water stations and energy drinks along the way to keep the runner hydrated in this hot and humid season. Shameem Shaikh, assistant professor at Manipal Institute of Technology, who is also a running and cycling enthusiast, will be the official two-hour pacer for the race. He will help the runners pace themselves to finish within two hours.
Runners from different parts of the country, including Mysuru, Kerala, Bengaluru, Chikkamagaluru and Mumbai, have registered for the event, which is expected to see over 500 participants. The youngest registered participant is three years old, and the oldest is 73.
Mangalore Round Table plans to utilise the proceeds from the event to help the Government School, Mallikatte, and to promote the Round Table India theme of ‘Freedom through Education’. For details, log on to www.TheBigBalipu.com or facebook.com/TheBigBalipu.
