Mangaluru: In order to create awareness among the public about their voting right, the Dakshina Kannada district committee of SVEEP (Systematic Voter’s Education and Electoral Participation) in association with the DK Zilla Panchayat, Mangaluru City Corporation and Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, is organising a 18-km marathon from Mangala Stadium on March 31, at around 7 AM.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Dr. Selvamani R told reporters here on Tuesday, March 26 that there will be two catergories of marathon-above age 16 and under 16. The 18-km long marathon for the above 16 category will commence from Mangala Stadium and pass via Mannagudda, New Chithra, Carstreet, Sharavu Temple, K S Rao Road, Nava Bharat Circle, PVS Circle, Selma Arcade, Kadri Temple Road, Bejai, KSRTC, Lalbagh, Kapikad, Daddalkad, Urwastore, Ashok Nagar, Urwa Market and Ladyhill and culminate at Mangala Stadium again.

For the under 16, the marathon will be of 6 km. It will commence from Mangala Stadium, go via Mannagudda, New Chithra, Carstreet, Central Market, Hampankatta, PVS Circle, Ballalbhag and Lalbhag and get back to the venue. There will also be a walkathon for the senior citizens on the same occasion for some distance. The intention of the programme is to create awareness among the public about the importance of the voting, Selvamani informed.

“SVEEP Committee has already informed the schools and colleges, self-help groups and other associations to participate in the scheduled marathon programme. Those interested in participating in the marathon may contact, the Deputy Director, Youth Empowerment and Sports Department, DK district, on or before March 29. For details contact – 0824-24512664 and 9480146144.

MCC Commissioner Mohammed Nazeer, Deputy Commissioner Gayathri Nayak among others were present.