Sports Minister to flag off Kerala’s biggest marathon on Sunday

7,500 runners to participate GTECH’s ‘Drug Free Kerala’ initiative

Trivandrum / February 7, 2025

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb. 07: Around 7,500 runners, from all sectors of society, will be lining up in the state capital for the February 9 GTECH Kerala Marathon 2025, the state’s biggest and high-profile race to put across a strong message against narcotic menace.

Now into its third edition, the marathon is organized by Group of Technology Companies (GTECH), the industry body of more than 250 IT companies in Kerala, to energize the ‘Drug Free Kerala’ campaign of the Government of Kerala.

The race will start from Technopark Phase 3, Kazhakoottam, and will run along the key points of the state capital region. The finishing point of the marathon will also be at Technopark Phase 3. The marathon will feature three categories of runs – Half Marathon (21.1km), 10km, Fun Run (3km – 5km). It will start at 4.30 am and conclude by 9.30 am. 

Over 7,500 runners of diverse backgrounds, age, geography, gender and fitness levels have already registered for the run. The event is held to sensitize the public about the ‘Drug Free Kerala’ campaign and enhance public awareness about serious consequences of drug abuse, especially among the youth.

Minister for Sports, Wakf and Haj Pilgrimage, Shri. V Abdurahiman will be the Chief Guest at the marathon. Dr Shashi Tharoor, MP; Shri Kadakampally Surendran, MLA; Dr. Rathan U Kelkar, IAS, Chief Electoral Officer & Secretary, Electronics & IT, Govt. of Kerala; and Shri VK Mathews, Chairman, GTECH and Executive Chairman, IBS software, will also attend the event.

Shri Mathews said “It’s crucial for responsible individuals to unite and send a powerful message of ‘No to Drugs’ and ‘Yes to Fitness.’ We must transform campaigns like this into a widespread public movement to create a drug-free Kerala.” 

The other dignitaries to attend the marathon include Col Sanjeev Nair (Retd.), CEO, Technopark; actor Shri Antony Varghese (Pepe); and Shri Sreekumar V, Secretary, GTECH and Centre Head, Tata Elxsi.

Students from some of the leading colleges, IT professionals, central & state government employees, defence personnel and corporate members will also participate.

Ends