Marathon runners, watch out your track

Kochi: If you are one of those laced up for the Cochin Half Marathon on the weekend, watch your steps as you run over the Thoppumpady old bridge where edgy metal plates are waiting to trip you up.

The iconic bridge that falls along the 21 km route from Maharaja’s College ground to Mattanchery has been a worrying ride even for motorists. If runners don’t tread carefully, it can puncture even the most experienced distance runner.

“It is a sad situation, but we have floated two tenders recently but there are no takers. Luckily though we have started some work on the approach road though the road work on the bridge will not happen in time,” said Benny P. P., executive engineer of PWD.

Prince Charles’s Kerala visit in November had prompted authorities to mend a few dilapidated roads in the city, including the Maulana Azad road.

“During the prince’s visit, despite public protests we could renovate several roads because that comes under protocol. I believe, except this bridge all roads in the marathon route are in fine shape,” said K. J. Sohan, corporation standing committee chairman.

The corporation had renovated the Kannamaly-Fort Kochi road, in the wake of last Sunday’s annual cross-country, which was part of the Carnival.

Many feel it is a pity that authorities could not utilize the marathon as an opportunity to mend the dilapidated Thoppumpady Bridge.