Over 7,000 Register for the GTECH Marathon in City on Feb 9

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
The third edition of GTECH Marathon will be held here on Sunday, February 9, highlighting the theme ‘No to Drugs, Yes to Fitness,’ aimed at sensitizing the people about the growing menace of drug abuse and the need to make Kerala narcotics-free.

With 7,000 paid registrations so far, including 1,500 women, this will be the largest marathon ever held in Kerala. GTECH Marathon is an annual event organised by Group of Technology Companies (GTECH), the industry body of IT companies in Kerala, comprising 250 IT companies having a strength of around 1,25,000 IT professionals, which accounts for 80 per cent of IT professionals in the state.

The marathon, which starts from Technopark at 5.30 am, will have three categories of runs – Half Marathon (21.1 km), 10 km, and Fun Run (3 km–5 km).

The registered participants include people from diverse backgrounds, age and fitness levels, including student community, IT professionals, central and state government employees, defence personnel and corporate members. Only those who have registered can participate. Registration are open for two more days at www.gtechmarathon.com

Every participant will be given a T-shirt with numbered bib, a goodie bag and a medal for completing the run. Arrangements will be made for hydration points at regular intervals and breakfast will be served, after the run, to all participants. Ambulance service will also be available. Zumba and other aerobic exercises will be held for the participants as warm up before the start of the marathon run.

GTECH Chairman V K Mathews said the response from the general public for the marathon has been nothing short of phenomenal. Over 7,000 people from all walks of life across the state have enrolled through paid registrations, making it the largest marathon ever to be held in Kerala.
“Through the marathon, we wish to sensitize the people about the growing menace of drug abuse and the imperative need to make Kerala narcotics-free. As a socially responsible organisation, GTECH will continue to hold such events to create public awareness about emerging community issues,” he added.