The Parents and Teachers Association of Public School are racing towards spreading a message for our collective health. Established in 2018 with the vision to create a sustainable and healthy society. In a nutshell, the marathon was created with the hope to encourage athletes at all levels to lead healthy lifestyles together. A year since, the programme’s hoardings and invitations have reached anyone who knows anyone in Kochi simply through the power of word of mouth. This year, the programme is scheduled for September 22 with the motto, ‘Run for a healthy society’ as the main theme.
A convener of the event, Umar Farook says, “Among young runners in the state, it has become quite a popular event because of the beautiful routes and the manner in which we conduct it. perfection in the conduct, its picturesque route and participation.” After securing an unexpected 132 registrations in their first attempt, this year’s targeted number of participants across categories is expected to cross 700 athletes and more than 2000 people as spectators.
Umar says, “The idea behind running is not just for the simple aim of completing a marathon, it is about celebrating the fact that we have to play some sport or the other or atleast remain active in our lives. It is on behalf of this idea that we are running this as an event. You have to maintain a healthy physical body and this could be through walking, running or a game of some sort. The idea here is to bring somehow spread the thought among the general public. We are telling people that their bodies are important and that they need to maintain them”
To really get the point across to younger generations, the event is free for student participants. “We want them to come and run if they have the opportunity. It is really about spreading the idea of fitness. This time, we have registrations from across the country from students in Delhi and Bengaluru and that gives us hope.” 132 registrations have come in until date. The registrations closed for students on September 10 but have been opened back up for the general public because of the sheer demand. If you live in Kochi and haven’t registered yet, make sure to run and register your name!
