Mangaluru/ Surathkal: The promotion of the fifth edition of the NITK Karavali Marathon, organised by the NITK Alumni association, will be launched by international athlete, Eklavya awardee Arjun Devaiah Arjun Devaiah on September 30 at 5 pm at SJA NITK Surathkal

Born in Kodagu, Arjun has won nine international medals in sprint events and is the only athlete to hold the national record in 4×100 relay and 4×400 relay at the same time. Arjun is an advocate of youth empowerment, corporate trainer, passionate about student counselling and is a motivational speaker. He is the Brand Ambassador of the Karavali Marathon and will promote the event.

Model and Actress, Femina Style Diva South winner Krishnaa will unveil the theme of the Karavali Marathon during the launch. A native of Udupi, she is the lead actress in the Kannada movie “Savaranadeerga Sandhi”, that is releasing on October 18. This Karavali girl, who is a fitness evangelist, has been on Femina’s cover page and has promoted several reputed brands as a model. She will be the crusader of the Karavali Marathon and promote the cause amongst the youth.

The NITK Karavali Marathon 2020 will be held on January 12, 2020. It will be a special edition as part of the NITK Diamond Jubilee year celebration. Event organization is supported by Rotaract Club and the NITK Students’ Council, and perhaps the only full marathon (41.2kms) in India that is entirely conducted by students. More than 5000 runners are expected to participate in the marathon. The unique feature of the run is that part of the marathon trail is on the scenic NITK Surathkal beach, along the beachside temple and lighthouse.

The event also includes half marathon (21.1 kms), 10 kms, 5 kms races and a 3 kms fun run. The event is open to men, women and children above 10 years and has a low nominal fee. It carries a total prize money of over Rs 3 lacs. Participants will get T-shirts, timing certificate, race photo, immediate results via SMS, physio support for recovery, food and entertainment.