The second edition of Coimbatore Women’s Marathon and Carnival organized by Gem Foundation was held in the city on Thursday at VOC Grounds at 6 p.m., and the event saw more than 5000 participants including kids, athletes and para-athletes attending the event with great enthusiasm. Unlike other marathons this event is held in the evening hours, thus making it a distinct one.

V.Balakrishnan IPS, Commissioner of Police, Coimbatore City flagged off the event, along with Dr.C.Palanivelu, Chairman and Dr.Praveen Raj, CEO, GEM Hospital, Srinivasan, Chairman, Emerald Group, Santiago Martin, Founder & Chairman, Martin Group of Companies, K.P.Ramasamy, Chairman, KPR Group, Mr. & Mrs. Duraisamy, Sakthi Masala and Vinayagam of Chennai Silks.

The marathon began from VOC Grounds and proceeded till the whole of the RTO office road stretch. The whole pathway was decorated with colourful lights and music, making the running route vibrant and vivid. The kids who participated in the event ran the 3 kilometers category while others took part in 5 kms. and 10 kms. category.

This program was organized with multiple objectives like 1) creating awareness about women’s fitness & health, 2) to highlight that Coimbatore is a safer city for women even in night hours, and 3) to raise funds to support various social welfare activities of GEM Foundation, including free cancer care for financially-weak patients, creating cancer awareness among the public, etc.

The carnival provided quality-time for the whole family. It had one of the biggest dance-floors, an engaging DJ, children’s play area and delicious food.

200+ volunteers provided guidance to the women runners while Coimbatore City Police offered security.