3,000 to run GTECH Anti-Drug Marathon
Trivandrum / March 16, 2023
Thiruvananthapuram, Mar. 16: Over 3000 people, including 1,000 women and 100 children, are expected to participate in the first-ever GTECH Marathon in the state capital this Sunday.
The event is organised by GTECH, the industry body of IT companies in Kerala. The theme of the marathon is ‘Drug-free Kerala’. The March 19 marathon seeks to create an increased public awareness about the prevalence of drug abuse in the state, and its ill-effects, especially among young boys and girls.
The starting point for the marathon will be Technopark Phase 3, while categories will be 21 km, 10 km and 3 km. The flag-off time will be 5 a.m., 6 a.m. and 7.30 a.m. respectively. Participants will be provided with a kit and served breakfast. There will be hydration points at regular intervals along the route. Ambulance service and other medical facilities will be available.
The participants must report 60 minutes before the flag-off time. Only those who have registered can participate in the run. T-shirts and Bibs for the run can be collected from Technopark Club on this Friday and Saturday by all those who have registered.
Medals will be given to all participants who complete the run. There will be awards for winners in each category. The award ceremony at 8 a.m. on Sunday will be held at Technopark phase 3. It will be presided over by Dr Shashi Tharoor MP.
GTECH, which comprises leading IT companies in the state including TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, IBS Software, UST and EY, has members from more than 300 IT companies. 80% of the IT professionals in the state belong to GTECH companies. Organisers plan to make the marathon an annual feature to spread awareness on emerging social issues that affect the society at large.
GTECH Chairman Shri V.K. Mathews said the marathon is a reflection of the IT community’s commitment to social causes. “It is a coming together of more than one lakh IT professionals who work in the state and an expression of solidarity to the campaign of the Government to make Kerala a drug-free state” he added.
