KPR Mini Marathon against drugs draws 12,000 in Coimbatore

The ninth edition of the KPR Mini Marathon, organised by KPR Educational Institutions with the message of a drug-free future, witnessed the participation of over 12,000 people from across age groups in Coimbatore on Sunday.
The marathon featured three categories of 3 km, 5 km and 10 km runs. The races were flagged off from the KPR Educational Institutions entrance, Kaniyur Toll Plaza and Karumathampatti respectively, and all events culminated at the KPR Sports Complex.
KPR Group Chairman Dr K.P. Ramasamy and Secretary of KPR Educational Institutions Ms Gayathri Anandakrishnan led the event. The runs were flagged off at different points by Indian kabaddi player Prabanjan, Indian triple jumper Praveen Chithravel, the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Coimbatore, and the Inspector of Police,
Karumathampatti.
Participants included children, school students, men, women, senior citizens above 45 years, para-athletes and employees of KPR Mills, reflecting wide community involvement in the anti-drug campaign. Cash prizes, medals and certificates were awarded to the top ten winners in each category, while all participants received medals and certificates. Presenting the prizes, Dr K.P. Ramasamy said a healthy and drug-free lifestyle was essential for personal growth and lasting success.
Coimbatore District Superintendent of Police Dr K. Karthikeyan, IPS, spoke on how drug addiction begins, ways to prevent it and the various initiatives undertaken by the Tamil Nadu Police to curb drug abuse.
Dr R. Devi Priya, Principal of KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, and Dr P. Geetha, Principal of KPR College of Arts and Science, were among those present.