Thousands of people took part in the marathon conducted to create an awareness of the impact of global warming and the importance of ensuring the safety of environment here on Sunday.
The ‘Green Marathon’ was conducted under four categories — marathon for men, marathon for women, walkathon for women and men above 35 years of age, and 5-kilometre skating for children under the age of 12.
The participants of the first category covered a distance of 21 km starting at Race Course and going through Alagar Koil Road, Mattuthavani Bus Stand, Apollo Hospital, Ambiga Theatre, Teppakulam, Arvind Eye Hospital and Raja Muthiah Mandram, before reaching Race Course.
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During the marathon, students of Vickram College of Engineering were spotted at important junctions carrying placards displaying information about global warming.
K. Manikandan, an army man from Rajapalayam, bagged the first prize in the men’s category.
The highlight of the event was the participation of 65-year-old P. Moorthy, who finished third in the walkathon.
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Mr.Moorthy who took part in the event for the fifth consecutive year said his aim was to promote healthy lifestyle.
District Collector L. Subramanian flagged off the event which was organised by Vickram College of Engineering.
Samanth Rohan Rajendra, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), participated, and gave away prizes to the winners.
He lauded the efforts of the organisers in spreading an awareness among the common man regarding global warming and its effects.
Around 6,000 people cutting across all age groups participated in the event.
Cash prizes and medals along with saplings were presented to the winners of the event.
M.K.S Sreenivasan, chairman, Vickram Group of Schools and Colleges, and M.S. Vickram, director, were among those who were present.