Padubidri: As part of the ongoing “Coastal Carnival-2024” at the Blue Flag Beach, a 3-km barefoot marathon, ‘Bale Balipuga,’ was held on Sunday morning with enthusiastic participation from across Karnataka and Kerala. The event was organized in collaboration with MAHE.

The race, which started from the Blue Flag Beach, passed through Padubidri’s main beach and returned to the starting point along the shore. It was inaugurated by C. U. Kumar, Assistant Director of the Tourism Department, while Udupi Deputy Commissioner Dr. Vidyakumari and SP Dr. Arun K. extended their best wishes.

Over 350 participants competed in the event, organized as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of JCI Padubidri. Key organizers, including JCI Padubidri President Sanjith S. Ermal, Secretary Manu Uday Shetty, Women’s President Harshitha Makarand, JJC President Darshan P. Kumar, and Program Committee Chairperson Y. Sukumar, were present.

Results:

• Women (Above 35 years):
  • 1st: Nayana, Mangaluru
  • 2nd: Vani Rajagopal, Mangaluru
• Men (Above 35 years):
  • 1st: Sudeep Kumar N., Manipal
  • 2nd: Ravi Kiran, Udupi Runners Club
• Women (Below 35 years):
  • 1st: Prerana, Bengaluru
  • 2nd: Lakshmi, Anandatheertha Vidyalaya, Katapadi
• Men (Below 35 years):
  • 1st: Sachin, Anandatheertha Vidyalaya, Katapadi
  • 2nd: Lara, Mangaluru

Winners were honored with cash prizes and certificates.