Students run to spread the message of peace

KOCHI: As many 170 students from across the state took part in the All Kerala Rajagiri Mini Marathon (10km), organized by Rajagiri Public School as part of their silver jubilee celebrations that coincided with Hiroshima Day, on Monday.
Amith N V of Mar Basil School, Kothamagalam, won the first place by covering the distance of 10km in 31 minutes nine seconds and Anil A of Parali Higher Secondary School, Palakkad, secured the second place in 31 minutes and 37 seconds.While Salman Farookh of Sports Authority of India School, Thiruvananthapuram, came third by completing the race in 31 minutes 37 seconds.
The marathon that themed around ‘Soles of Peace and Nature’ was flagged off by Rear Admiral R J Nadkarni, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command.
District collector K Mohammed Y Saffirulla, gave the oath of peace. Director of Cochin Cancer Center, Dr Moni Abraham Kuriakose, delivered the pledge against drug abuse.
Footballer I M Vijayan flagged off the 1km ‘fun run’ by students, parents and teachers and distributed prizes to winners.
Fr Varghese Kachappilly, CMI principal of Rajagiri Public School, said that they received positive response for the event. Rajagiri plans on hosting such marathons in future as well.
Fr Jose Kuriedath, CMI, SH Provincial Manager, presided over the function. Sam Thomas, PTA president, and Fr Martin Mundadan, CMI principal of Rajagiri Higher Secondary Public School, also attended the event.