introduction
Started in 2010 with the aim of providing a platform for civic engagement and generating awareness on social issues, Calicut Half Marathon has grown ever since into one of Kerala’s biggest sporting events. We are proud to say that the Calicut Half Marathon is the first and to our best knowledge is the biggest student-organized marathon in the country. The marathon has supported various social causes over the years with themes such as 'Be the Change', ‘Transforming lives’, ‘Empowering Women’, ‘War on Waste’, ‘Gift a Life’, ‘Road Safety’, 'United Kerala - Upholding the Legacy', 'Pursuit of Happiness: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind'. In our quest to make society a better place to live in, we have joined hands with several NGOs, corporates, educational institutes, district administration, and civic authorities over the years. The uniqueness of this initiative lies in using the platform of the marathon to spread awareness about the selected theme amongst the general public. For this purpose, we organize various lead-up events such as Launch at the Calicut Press Club, Flash Mob at the beach and a shopping mall, Bike Rally, sand sculpture, campus run, running workshops, a promotion at movie theatres, etc. in the months preceding the marathon to generate awareness about the theme
Race Day
Runners both national and international had gathered to participate in and witness the event. The event reached new heights with a staggering count of more than 5000 runners. The sight of the many runners flagging off at once from the start point was one to behold. The sheer enthusiasm and roar of the crowd brought a smile to the faces of one and all. The race completed with the prize distribution ceremony at Gujarati School on Beach Road. The event was graced by the presence of several dignitaries.
Flash Mob
The crowd at Hi-Lite Mall were in for a surprise organized by the students of IIM Kozhikode in the run up to the nineth edition of the Calicut Half Marathon. Just as the sun was going down, a group of students from IIM K broke into a ‘Flash mob’. The spirited dancers took Calicut’s Hi-Lite mall by storm with their moves, while the crowd cheered and whooped madly.
Walk The Talk
As a prelude to the 10th edition of the Calicut Half Marathon. IIMK organized a Walk The Talk event in association with Niravu from the CSI Cathedral, Mananchira. The event was a morning walk promoting the historical significance of various landmarks of the city. Environmental activist T Shobeendran inaugurated the event. He spoke at length about the importance of physical activity.
Decathlon Pre Run
Calciut Half Marathon in association with Decathlon Sports, Kozhikode, organized a pre-race run as a warm up from all the participants. This was an opportunity for the marathon to reach out to our runners before the race day. Participants are briefed on the various routines and guided on how to prepare for the half marathon.
Cycle Rally
110 Cyclist rallied through the streets of Kozhikode on a beautiful Sunday , with riders holding banners and waving flags. Cycle Rally was organized in association with Team Malabar Riders, Malabar Cycle Riders, and Calicut Pedallers in the Calicut city covering a distance of 10km.
Midnight Run
Enthusiastic students and faculties of IIM Kozhikode competed against each other to reach the finish line in the 3KM Campus Midnight Run, organised in association with Taj Gateway Hotels.Sajesh Krishnan, Kerala's first blade runner and Neeraj George Bobby, former Indian para badminton player were the chief guests of the event. Coordinated by Calicut marathon committee members and it was well appreciated by the students community.