Manipal Marathon 2024 Concludes with Massive Turnout and International Flair
The 8th edition of the prestigious Manipal Marathon successfully concluded at KMC Greens in Manipal on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in community fitness and environmental advocacy. Organized by the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), the event witnessed an overwhelming participation of over 20,000 enthusiastic runners from across the globe.
Theme and Vision: Miles for a Greener Tomorrow
This year's marathon was centered around the powerful theme 'Miles for a greener tomorrow - run for a sustainable future', emphasizing the dual goals of promoting physical wellness and environmental responsibility. Dr. HS Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of MAHE, addressed the massive gathering, highlighting the event's evolution and impact.
"By bringing together over 20,000 runners, we are not just promoting fitness and wellness but also reinforcing our commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement," Dr. Ballal stated. "What began as a student initiative has blossomed into one of India's largest community fitness events, attracting international participation from over 10 countries."
International Participation and Prize Pool
The marathon featured a diverse array of athletes, with more than 100 international competitors representing nations including Dubai, England, Ethiopia, Germany, Kenya, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the USA. This global representation underscored the event's growing prestige on the international running circuit.
Participants competed across various categories for a substantial prize pool exceeding Rs 25 lakhs, adding a competitive edge to the community-focused event. The categories included 42K, 21K, 10K, and 5K races, catering to runners of all skill levels.
Winners Across Categories
The marathon concluded with impressive performances across all race distances. Here are the top finishers in each category:
42K Fastest Male
- Sathish Kumar
- Sachin Poojari
- Desye Endalew
42K Fastest Female
- Senait Kefelegn Lesharge
- Yenealem Ayano Buli
- Neeti Kriplani
21K Fastest Male
- Rijwan Ali
- Shashwath Rajesh Poojary
- Nalinakshan Kizhakkedath
21K Fastest Female
- Bhawana Negi
- Nandini G
- Rutuja Patil
10K Fastest Male
- Shivanand Chigari
- Shreedhara SN
- Mubarak R Dantali
10K Fastest Female
- Shahin S Dharwad
- Shreya Moodekallu
- Chaithra TP
5K Fastest Male
- Nagaraj Divate
- Ranga
- Manjunath Belurappanavar
5K Fastest Female
- Nagini
- HV Deeksha
- Rekha BP Basappa Piroji
Post-Run Celebrations and Community Engagement
The event culminated in a vibrant post-run carnival that brought together fitness enthusiasts, students, and community members. The carnival featured lively music, interactive fitness sessions, and energetic Zumba classes, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrated health, wellness, and community spirit.
The Manipal Marathon continues to grow in scale and significance, blending competitive sports with meaningful social and environmental messages. As it enters its ninth year, the event stands as a testament to the power of community initiatives in fostering health, sustainability, and global connections.
