3,200 runners take part in VRL Hubballi half marathon

The 11th edition of VRL Hubballi half marathon was successfully organised in Hubballi on Sunday.

This edition saw a total of 3,200 runners participating in various categories. The race consisted of 5 km, 10 km and 21 km (half marathon) distances with different age categories for both male and female runners. All categories were timed using RFID tags and sensor mats along the route.

The race concluded successfully with no major medical issues and all participants finishing successfully, the organisers said.

The race was flagged of by various dignitaries which included Aman Mehta from Kamal Group, P.N. Nayak from Desphande Foundation, Manu T.N., Principal KLEIT, Abhishek Malani from AVM Granite, Shivayogi Baligar and Gangadhar Patil from Hubballi Fitness Foundation.

Vijay Sankeshwar and Anand Sankeshwar sent their blessings as they could not attend due to prior commitments. The race saw attendance by staff of various divisions of VRL.

Medical support was provided by Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists, Hubballi- Dharwad, and physiotherapy support by Healing Waters Physio.

“Volunteers from Deshpande Foundation and Hubballi Bicycle Club enhanced the experience of our runners. Ambulances were stationed on route in case of emergency from BDK Lifeline, Tatwadarsh and Secure Hospitals. Participants came from Ballari, Mysuru, Bengaluru, Belagavi and other areas,” they said.

There were also some foreign nationals participating in the event. They included some Malaysian students and a French national Sanchis Davy, who is on a bicycle tour across India. He won the second position in his age category in the 21 km race, said a release from Hubballi Fitness Foundation.