Women were in top gear at the second edition of The Hindu Metroplus ‘Heels on Wheels,’ an all-women treasure hunt car ride, in the city on Sunday morning.
Being organised as part of the International Women’s Day celebrations, the treasure hunt ride saw 70 two-member (a driver and a navigator) teams drive 35 km on one of two assigned routes (Sreekaryam-Kazhakuttam or Thiruvallam-Karamana) and follow clues at nine points along the route to find a treasure.
Even as the women rooted and supported each other, their competitive spirit was evident in the tight finish. The team of Bindu Sankarapillai and N. Sharmila Anirudhan took the first place in a time of one hour and six minutes. They bagged a cash prize of ₹20,000, an Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) fuel coupon for ₹10,000, and a holiday package of three nights and four days for ₹20,000 at a Club Mahindra resort.
The first runners-up were Soumya Sanadhanan and Sosy Thomas, who clocked one hour and 12 minutes to win a purse of ₹10,000 and an IOC fuel coupon for the same amount. Giving them stiff competition were Rakhee G. Surendran and Devi P.S., the second runners-up. They completed the ride a minute behind, in one hour and 13 minutes to win a cash prize of ₹5,000 and a fuel coupon for ₹10,000.
The teams of Asha Biju and Lakshmi Bala (one hour 14 minutes) and Naima Muhammed and Durga R.C. (one hour and 15 minutes) that came fourth and fifth, respectively, were given special gifts and IOC fuel coupons. There was also an award for best rally attire matching with vehicle. It was bagged by Pooja Chaturvedi and Monisha S. Sheila James, proprietor, Czarina, gave away the award.
All participants were given certificates, Indian Oil Xtra Premium fuel coupons for ₹500, and a buffet lunch at Hilton Garden Inn.
Actor Murali Gopy was the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony.
Alok Kumar Sharma, general manager, State Bank of India (SBI), was the guest of honour.
Reghu K., senior divisional manager (Retail Sales), IOC, and Dipesh D.S., Sales Manager, Popular Hyundai, were present on the occasion. Prior to the ceremony, the participants, in a nearly hour-long programme, presented their other talents such as music, dance, and acting.
The participants were welcomed by C. Gouridasan Nair, Resident Editor, Kerala, The Hindu. J.K. Thakkar, general manager, SBI; Dipesh D.S., sales manager, Popular Hyundai; and Sheeja G. Manoj, executive director, Gokulam GG Hospital, were present.
Mr. Thakkar and his wife Anju Thakkar flagged off the treasure hunt. Popular Hyundai was the presenting sponsor of the event; YONO by SBI, the banking partner; and Indian Oil Xtra Premium, the powered-by sponsor. Czarina Boutique was the associate sponsor and Club Mahindra the holiday partner. Hilton Garden Inn was the venue partner. Gokulam GG Hospital which was the health care partner provided on-road medical assistance.
