UDUPI: Deputy commissioner Vidya Kumari K flagged off the district-level five km marathon in front of the Mahatma Gandhi District Stadium in Ajjarkad on Saturday.
The event was a joint effort by the district administration, zilla panchayat, district health and Family Welfare Department, district AIDS Prevention and Control Unit, Youth Empowerment and Sports Department, Dr.G. Shankar Government First Grade College (NSS) Ajjarkad, Government First Grade College Tenkanidiyoor, district Amateur Athletics Association, Sai Radha Group, Raj Fishmeal and Oil Company Malpe, Adarsha Hospital Udupi, Indian Red Cross Society Kundapur Unit, and Rotary Club Udupi Midtown to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.
Speaking at the event, the DC emphasised the importance of public awareness about AIDS and the responsibility of everyone to help prevent infections. She highlighted that the marathon aimed to spread awareness and deliver a strong message about the dangers of AIDS, expressing her hope that the initiative would inspire the community to work towards making Udupi district HIV/AIDS-free.
In the men’s category, Prayag Shetty from MGM College, Udupi, secured first place, while Nandini from Nitte Sports Club took first place in the women’s category, earning both athletes the opportunity to participate in a state-level marathon.
Nagaraj Dias and Vivekananda from Anandathirtha College won second and third places, respectively, in the men’s category. In the women’s category, Pratiksha and Sakshi from Nitte Sports Club won second and third places, respectively. The winners received cash prizes and medals in recognition of their achievements.
