The members of the Coimbatore ACME Round Table 133 organized the Tiger Run 2016, a marathon to raise funds for the club’s ‘Save a Tiger’ campaign. This is part of a series of marathons organized by various NGOs to raise funds and create awareness about various issues.

“The idea of organizing this event was to ensure that we create the awareness about our ‘Save a Tiger’ project. At the same time, we wanted to give the runners an experience of a different kind. This is why we chose a different running route for our marathon,” S.Prasanna Krishna, Chairman of the Coimbatore ACME Round Table 133, said. “Compared to the regular running circuits, the trail-run featured tarmac and country roads with ups and down and participants felt more tiresome in completing the course.”

The marathon was organized around the Chettipalayam Golf Course.

Participants had the option to attempt either the six-kilometre or the 11-kilometre run. The former had 1,345 participants, while the latter had 203 runners. Both the categories were flagged off by I. Anwardeen, Conservator of Forest of the Coimbatore Division. “I’m happy to flag-off the city’s first marathon of its kind. It is nice to see the Coimbatore ACME Round Table 133 and its members, who continue to work for this noble cause, and it is overwhelming to see youths like you support this cause,” Anwardeen said.

Chief guest N. Sivaguru, Deputy Commissioner of the Armed Reserve of Coimbatore City Police, gave away prizes to the winners at the valedictory function. P. Abhilash won the first prize in 11-kilometer men’s category finishing at 37:01 minutes, followed by R. Saravana Kumar and R. Prakash who finished second and third respectively, at 37:51 minutes and 39:07 minutes. Divyalakshmi won the first prize in 11-kilometer women’s category, finishing at 51:52 minutes. Jayamani P, and Shabhna finished second and third at 01:01:32 and 01:08:58 respectively.

Sivaguru became nostalgic, recollecting the times when he participated in such events and races as a child. “I finished third in a bicycle race from Anna statue to Karumathampatty and back. If you put in all your effort at young age you can achieve success and reach great heights. It is very important to stay fit and healthy. It is extremely encouraging to see so many people come together for a noble cause,” he said.