Run Munnar, Run!
Kestrel Adventure Holidays, in association with Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), is about to conduct two-day Munnar Marathon from February 10, 2018.
photo courtesy:munnarmarathon.com
“The marathon would boost Munnar as an adventure tourism destination as well as in creating a health consciousness among the people,” said Sriram Venkataraman IAS, Employment and Training Department Director, who is also the chief leader of the Marathon.
The Marathon, second in terms of altitude after Ladakh marathon, consists of 4 categories such as Ultra Challenge, Run for Fun, Half Marathon and Full Marathon.
photo courtesy:munnarmarathon.com
Ultra Challenge
Starts on 10 February at 5 am is a high endurance testing 71 km long marathon that covers tea plantations, eucalyptus groves and Mattupetty dam reaching a height of 2200m MSL. Eligibility for the participants for this category would be previous certificates of participation in at least 2 full or ultra-marathon in the past 2 years, with an age limit 18 and above.
Run for Fun
It is designed to be a non-competitive segment mainly focusing beginners. The route lengths are 7 km through a flat terrain. Runs start on 11 February at 10 am with a cut off time of 2 hrs.
Half Marathon
This segment primarily focuses on intermediate runners, the track is 21 km long and it conditions the participants for an Ultra challenge. The first 8 km is straight leading to curvy paths ending to a height of 1750 m. Those who are 12 years old and above can compete in this category with a cut off time of 5 hrs.
Full Marathon
This segment needs ultimate perseverance and persistence. The track length is 42 km and with the changing terrain, the path makes it tough through the shola forest and tea plantations. Refreshment points, as well as back up vehicles, are provided throughout. Eligibility criteria include participation in at least 2 half marathons with a cut off time of 8 hours.
“The marathon would be conducted under green protocol with eco-friendly products and the revenue collected would be used to uplift upcoming athletes,” said race director Senthil Kumar.