GONIKOPPAL — Under a moody monsoon sky, Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George raised the flag on Sunday, sending nearly 6,000 determined runners onto the rain-slicked roads of Kodagu for the region’s annual half marathon.

Key facts

  • 5,902 participants joined the event
  • Organized by Ashwini Sports Foundation, KALS, NEB Sports, and State Tourism
  • Featured 21km, 10km, and a 5km ‘Maja Run’

A District Known for Champions

Speaking at the KALS school campus, Minister George didn’t just celebrate the run—he championed Kodagu’s deep athletic roots. He called on young people to aim for national and international glory through sports, pointing out that dedication could put them on the world stage.

“Youngsters could make a name for themselves internationally by giving greater importance to sports alongside their studies,” George said.

He even drew a parallel to global sports, noting how Spain—a relatively small nation—had recently toppled football giant Argentina in a World Cup match. The analogy wasn’t lost on the crowd: passion and heart can outmatch sheer size.

Community and Competition

The event wasn’t just about the elite runners. Families, children, and casual joggers flooded the courses, choosing between the rigorous 21-kilometer half marathon, a 10-kilometer challenge, or the joyful 5-kilometer “Maja Run.”

A.S. Ponnanna, Chief Minister’s Political Secretary and local MLA, stood proudly among them. He echoed the minister’s sentiment, calling Kodagu “one of the finest sporting districts in the country.”

“Many outstanding sportspersons who have made a mark at the national and international levels have emerged from Kodagu,” Ponnanna remarked.

Also in attendance were Sports Authority of Karnataka vice-president Arun Machaiah and Ashwini Nachappa, head of the organizing foundation. Their presence underscored the event’s significance—not just as a race, but as a testament to Kodagu’s enduring love for sport.