Kerala is braced to put up a united show of strength as the promotional event of the 35th National Games, Run Kerala Run, is all set to be held across the State on Tuesday.
Over a crore of people are expected to take part in the run, covering a distance of 200 m to 800 m at each point, and identifying themselves as supporters of the multi-event games to be held from January 31 to February 14.
Giving details of the arrangements , Sports Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan told the media on Monday that the mass race would be held at 21 mega points, 226 mini mega points, and over 10,000 ordinary points between 10.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m.
The key attraction of the effort would be concentrated at the South gate of the Secretariat here, where the games’ goodwill ambassador Sachin Tendulkar would take part in the race along with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Ministers, and the cream of society.
The race, the Minister said, would begin with a pledge being administered to the participants by Governor P. Sathasivam at 10.15 p.m. before the formal flag-off. Tendulkar would be taking part in the race only between the South and North gates of the Secretariat due to security reasons.
“However, he will join the public function at the Central Stadium once the race is completed there,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said.
He said tight security measures had been taken and the police would impose traffic restrictions between 10 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. The race had already been endorsed by all political parties and social organisations, besides schools and colleges.
The race, the Minister said, would give a final push to the games preparations, creating excitement among the people to become part of the event being hosted by the State after 1987.
