The fifth edition of The Coimbatore Marathon 2017 was a resounding success with over 13,500 participants. The starting point of the Marathon was filled with excitement as runners and their supporters cheered each other. Hundreds of people lined up the streets in the morning to cheer a huge contingent of runners. This edition has only proved that the Vodafone Coimbatore Marathon has grown bigger and better with each passing year.
To huge cheers, The Vodafone Coimbatore Marathon 2017 was flagged off early today morning. The 21.1 km half marathon, which had 2,000 plus runners was flagged off by Dr. T. Balaji, Managing Trustee, Coimbatore Cancer Foundation. The 10 km run, which had over 4,700 plus runners, was flagged off by Mr. Manish Singhal, Vice President (Marketing), Vodafone, Tamil Nadu. The 5 km run, which had over 7,100 plus runners, was flagged off by Mr. Navin Chandran Nair, Zonal Head, Vodafone, Coimbatore.
The Men’s 21.1 km Marathon was won by Mr. Padmanabhan. A visibly happy Padmanabhan said, “I have participated in around 12 marathons and I have ended up the winner in 10 marathons so far, I am from the Madras Regimental Centre (MRC) in Wellington and I am extremely happy that the top 3 winners are all from MRC. As part of my training sessions I participate in high altitude long distance running and regular workouts at the gym. The Vodafone Coimbatore Marathon was one of the most well organised marathons I have participated in.”
Ms. Vasanthamani was ecstatic having won the women’s half marathon. She said, “I have participated in many marathons over the years, this is the third time I am winning a marathon in Coimbatore. I have trained very hard for this and I hope to win many more such marathons in the future”
The Marathon route was fully supported by aid stations, hydration points, medical facilities, ambulance services, route markers, course marshals & the finish area with refreshments, etc. Timing chips were used to keep track of the participants and provide official and personal times.
Dr. T Balaji, Managing Trustee of the Coimbatore Cancer Foundation, at the completion of a very successful 5th edition of this Marathon said, “We are absolutely overwhelmed by the way the city has responded to this event. The enthusiasm, joy and energy experienced by everyone who is a part of this wonderful experience is truly amazing and energizing. We at CCF, are grateful to Coimbatorians for turning out in such large numbers and running for a great cause. The proceeds from this edition will enable us to launch new initiatives, strengthen our existing programs and reach out to many more in the community who need our services.”
Mr.Ramesh Ponnuswami, Race Director said“The success of our marathons is due to the tremendous support from our sponsors, corporates who support with registrations, Coimbatorians who came out and supported us in large numbers, runners from various cities and towns, the Police department, the Coimbatore Corporation and several organisations. This is another big step up for us in our efforts to spread awareness of cancer and how running and fitness contributes to preventing cancer. We take pride in organising this event every year and it is gratifying to note the joy we see in each runner who wins the medal after crossing the finish line. The response we have received after every event encourages us to keep raising the bar and continuously improve the quality of the event. Our heartfelt thank you to Coimbatore.”
The Vodafone Coimbatore Marathon was brought to the city by Coimbatore Cancer Foundation in association with Coimbatore Runners & Show Space Events. Prior to the start of the race all participants received a T Shirt and the finishers a medal. The Prize Money amounting to over Rs.2.65 Lakhs was presented to the winners. The prize money for the open category for men & women for 21.1 K run was Rs. 25,000/-, 15,000/- & 10,000/- respectively for the first, second and third place holders, while for the top three places in the 10km category the prize money was Rs. 15,000/- , Rs.10,000/- &
Rs. 5,000/-respectively. The prize money for the veteran category for men & women for 21.1 K run was Rs. 10,000/-, 7,500/- & 5,000/- respectively for the first, second and third place holders, while for the top three places in the 10km category the prize money was Rs. 10,000/- , Rs.7,500/- & Rs.5,000/-respectively.
The Marathon is an annual event, and is held during the first Sunday of October every year.
We thank all the sponsors who have supported & contributed to the success of this event. It has helped us achieve tremendous success over the last four years.
Title Sponsor – Vodafone
Powered by – ELGiEquipments
Platinum Sponsor – Elgi Rubber, LMW
Gold Sponsors – Bosch, Lakshmi Card Clothing and Milacron
Apparel Partner – 2Go
Breakfast Partner – Madhampatty
Education Partner – PSG Institutions
Mall Partner – Brookefields
Official Car Partner – Rajshree Mahindra
Technical Partner – Netcon
Wellness Partner – GKNM Hospital
Associate Sponsors – Aqua group, Janatics Pneumatic, Lakshmi Ring Travellers, Prima Donna & T-Stanes
Goodwill Sponsors – MAK Controls, Safvolt, State Street HCL Services &Trident Pneumatics
Recognised by – Tamil Nadu Athletic Association (TNAA) & Coimbatore District Athletic Association (CDAA)
Venue Partner – Stanes School