By News Karnataka Editorial Team

Copyright newskarnataka

Mangaluru: As part of the Mangaluru Dasara celebrations at Kudroli Sri Gokarnanath Temple, the third edition of the State-Level Mangaluru Dasara Marathon 2025 was held on Sunday, drawing more than 2,000 participants across age groups. The event, sponsored by Zeus Fitness Club and Union Bank, saw enthusiastic participation from children, youth, and the elderly, with competitors travelling from across Karnataka and neighbouring Kerala.

Enthusiastic participation from all age groups

The marathon featured four categories — 21K, 10K, 5K, and 2K runs — with separate segments for men and women. Mangaluru City police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy flagged off the event, which was organised as a highlight of the ongoing Mangaluru Dasara festivities.

The event created a festive and competitive atmosphere in the coastal city, with participants ranging from professional runners to fitness enthusiasts. Many viewed it as not just a sporting contest but also as a community celebration, promoting health, wellness, and cultural unity.

Winners and prize money

The winners of the 21K half-marathon bagged the highest prize money. The first prize carried ₹25,000, followed by ₹15,000 for second place and ₹10,000 for third place. In the 10K category, the top three winners received ₹15,000, ₹10,000, and ₹5,000 respectively. The 5K race winners were awarded ₹5,000, ₹2,000, and ₹1,000 for the first, second, and third places.

21K marathon winners

Men: First – Laid Shafrang Lamare (01:26:29), Second – Shivanand (01:29:29), Third – Kiran Kumar Kulal (02:00:56)
Women: First – Nandini (01:52:23), Second – Asa Patrose (01:59:02), Third – Sakshi (02:00:57)

10K marathon winners

Men: First – Sridhar (48:15), Second – Airappa Halagannavar (48:42), Third – Ghanashyam Prasad (49:52)
Women: First – Charishma (59:47), Second – Shreya (59:59), Third – Maria Laveena Rodrigues (01:00:18)

5K marathon winners

Men: First – R Mahesh (18:12), Second – Puneet Kumar (18:31), Third – Nagaraj (19:15)
Women: First – Nagini (23:03), Second – Rekha (24:03), Third – Ritusri (26:00)

A celebration of sport and culture

The marathon was not only about competition but also about strengthening the cultural significance of Mangaluru Dasara. Families, students, and professional runners turned the event into a vibrant gathering, blending sporting spirit with the religious and cultural fervour of the city.

Organisers said that the marathon is steadily gaining popularity year after year, contributing to the growing fitness culture in Mangaluru. The addition of prize money and state-level recognition has further elevated its profile, attracting serious athletes while remaining open to amateurs.

Looking ahead

With its growing success, the Mangaluru Dasara Marathon is expected to continue expanding, potentially drawing participants from across India in the future. Local organisers expressed hope that the event would soon achieve national recognition, further placing Mangaluru on the map as a hub for cultural and sporting events.