Idea Chennai International Half Marathon ‘09
The city turned out in its sporty best for the Idea International Half Marathon’09. The number of participants went well above the registered number as corporate firm employees, college students and representatives from voluntary organizations gathered for the run inspite of the heavy down pour.
Participants numbering more than 70,000 thronged the Island Ground for the run held in different categories. The 21km run was flagged off by Mrs.Kanimozhi Karunanidhi. Other dignitaries present at the occasion were Honorable Minister for Sports Thiru Moideen Khan, Honorable Minister for IT Thirumathi.Poongodhai, and Honorable Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thiru. Napolean and Actor.Arya.
Participants of 7km ‘We Love Chennai Run’ carried placards and banners with social messages. The 7km run also witnessed sports parade performed by various sports associations and clubs.
The Results:
Kenyan athlete John Wambers emerged winner in the Chennai International Half Marathon. The second prize in the international category was won by Daniel Cherviyout of Kenya and Tewodros Shiferaw of Ethiopia third.
In the Women’s International category Nelly Jepkurui of Kenya won the first prize, Rose Kosgei of Kenya of Ayelin Lemma bagged the second and third place.
Deepchand Saharan of Rajasthan won the first prize among men in the National category. Arvind Kumar Yadav of Uttar Pradesh and Ajai Kumar Patel of Uttar Pradesh won the second and third prize respectively.
Panpa Chanda of West Bengal won the first place among women in the National category. Sukanya Mal of Uttar Pradesh and Rameswari of Kerala came second and third respectively.
The first three places at the state level were won by P.Nagendra Rao, P.Loganathan and Ezhil Nilavan for the men’s category and Ms.Suriya, Maheswari and Renuka for the women’s category.
In the Wheel Chair Run Mr. Madasu Srinivasa Rao came first, Mr.Mariappan second and Mr.Govindan third.
Ms.Deepika, Ms.Anuradha and Ms.Baby won first second and third prize respectively for the Women Wheel Chair Run category.
This marathon- helped thousands of underprivileged children, in creating awareness about Diabetic, Obesity free Chennai and overall brought together all walks of people who had only one chant “ WE LOVE CHENNAI’’!
