KOCHI: Afull marathon, ‘Spice Coast Marathon’, will be organised on November 16 by Soles of Cochin Runners Club, a community which promotes distance running in the city. The 42.2-km marathon that starts from Willingdon Island at 4 am will cover Mattanchery old bridge, Thoppumpady Parade Ground, Bazaar Road, Jew street, Karuvelipady and conclude at Willingdon island by 11 am.
A half marathon covering a distance of 21.1 km and a 5-km family fun run and corporate relay will also be organised. The Spice Coast is an annual event that is open to all runners. Registration is open till November 1. The runners who register before October 1 would have to pay `900 for full marathon, `800 for half marathon and `500 for family fun run category.
Ramesh Kanjilamattam, Soles of Cochin, said that the marathon aims to create awareness on healthy living. The police will make traffic arrangements to assist the runners. The ‘Spice Coast Marathon’ was announced at a function held on Tuesday. K N Raghavan, Commissioner of Customs, released the logo of the marathon. Olympian T C Yohanan was felicitated at the function and he was elected its brand ambassador.
R Nishanthini, Deputy Commissioner of Police, inaugurated the function. Baby Vinod, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Traffic, was also present.
According to members of Soles of Cochin, there are around 100 regular runners in the club and more than 1,000 members across the world.