Hundreds of students and fitness buffs took part in two marathons organised separately by JSS Science and Technology University (JSS STU), formerly Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE) and Mysuru District Masters Athletic Association (MDMAA) at two different locations in city this morning.

In the first marathon, organised as part of Jayciana – 2022 by JSS STU, Mysuru, a 6-km run with a theme ‘Run for Fitness’ was held.

Over 358 participants including staff, students and others took part in the marathon which was flagged off by University of Mysore (UoM) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar from JSS STU College Grounds.

The marathon passed through Bogadi Road, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing Circle, UoM Gate, Open-Air Theatre Road, Paduvarahalli Circle, Hunsur Road, Premier Studio Circle and culminated at the starting point.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar said that Jayciana has a history of about 40 years. “Run for Fitness is a great initiative. In today’s world keeping oneself fit is most important. Daily exercise and good diet is the best way to keep ourselves healthy. Involving ourselves in daily activities is the best way to stay fit. Sportsmanship is highly important,” he added.

Stating that he began his career as a lecturer at SJCE in the year 1994, the VC said that he studied M.Sc Computer Science at SJCE and has great memories to cherish. “Jayciana has always been a unique fest which hosts different kinds of activities. It is necessary for the young generation to keep their mental and physical health fit,” he said and lauded the College for taking the initiative to organise the marathon.

The youngest participant of the marathon was 6-year old boy Darshan while the oldest was 78-year old Mukundh. Top five winners — P. Manikanta, C.S. Lakshmeesha, S.N. Sreedara, Purushotham and Sumanth — were given a cash prize of Rs. 2,000 each and a citation while the next six winners — Rahul, Gopi, Shivashekar, Srikanth, Manoj Kumar, Raviraj — were given a cash prize of Rs. 1,000 each and a citation.

The student organisers of the event included K.P Prajwal, Jayanth and Poorab Gowda.

JSS STU Vice-Chancellor Prof. A.N. Santhosh Kumar, Principal Prof. S.B. Kivade, Student Welfare Officer M.S. Sunil Kumar and others were present.

‘Road Race for Health’ by MDMAA

The second marathon – 10th ‘R.N.M. and Vijayalakshmi Narayan Singh Memorial Road Race for Health’ was organised by Mysuru District Masters Athletic Association (MDMAA) for boys, girls, men and women.

Over 500 participants from all age group took part in the road race which was flagged off by MLA L. Nagendra near the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) Office.

The road race distance for 10-15 years, 15-30 years girls and boys was 2 km from DC Office till the District Court while for 30-40 years and 40-50 years men and women the distance was 1 km from DC Office till                       Oval Grounds.

For children below 10 years, the distance was 100 to 400 mts.

Winners of various categories

10-15 years Boys: Kishore, M. Vishwa, Mallikarjun, Ranjith, Amar and Shanthanagaraju.

Girls: Prakruthi, Banupriya, Ananya, Manasa, Sahana and Smitha

15-30 years Boys/Men: Arun, Shivu, N. Doreswamy, Mahadevaswamy, N.A. Subbaiah and Harsha.

Girls/Women: Tejaswini, Chaithra, Tulasi, Monika, Arpitha and Vidhya.

30-40 years Men: Raghunandan, J. Abhishek, M.P. Ajith, Manjunath, Rakshith and N. Manu.

40-50 years Men: K.R. Charan, Chaluvegowda, Govinda, M.G. Shivanna, Chandramouleshwara and Devaiah.

Uom’s Department of Physical Education (DPE) Director Dr. C. Krishnaiah, retired UoM DPE Director Dr. C. Krishna, MUDA member M.N. Naveen Kumar, MDMAA Vice-President M. Yogendra, Hon. Secretary P.G. Satyanarayan and others were present.