Padmanabhan of Madras Regiment Centre (MRC) won the 21.1 km half marathon in men’s open category and Vasanthamani in women’s category in the 5th Edition of Vodafone Coimbatore Marathon 2017, today.

Padmanabhan clocked 1.10:33 hour, while Vasanthamani 1.29:41 hour to cover the distance and win the run out of over 2,000 runners. While Padmanabhan said this is his 10th marathon title, for Vasanthamani this is her third win.

The event saw an overall participation of about 13,500 runners, including three physically disabled on wheel chairs, an 89-year-old man and 76-year-old woman. About 4,700 runners took part in the 10-km run and 7,100 runners in the 5km marathon.

The route was fully supported by aid stations, hydration points, medical facilities, ambulance services, route markers and course marshals. Finish area had refreshments and timing chips were used to keep track of the participants and provide official and personal times.

Dr. T Balaji, Managing Trustee of Coimbatore Cancer Foundation, the main organiser, said, “We are absolutely overwhelmed by the way the city has responded to this event. The enthusiasm, joy and energy of everyone who was a part of this wonderful experience is truly amazing and energizing. The proceeds from this edition will enable us to launch new initiatives, strengthen our existing programmes and reach out to many more in the community who need our services,” he said.

The Vodafone Coimbatore Marathon was brought to the city by the Foundation in association with Coimbatore Runners and Show Space
Events. The prize money amounting to over Rs.2.65 lakh was presented, with men and women winners of 21.1 km run getting Rs. 25,000 and 10 km run getting Rs.15,000.