Kannur: The fourth edition of Kannur beach run (KBR) witnessed natives picking up top notch positions at Payyambalam beach here on Sunday morning. Barring the runner-up in the 10-km elite men category, all other winners are Indians. African native Simion came second in the 10 km elite men category.
Buoyed by the thumping success in the last three years, the North Malabar Chamber of Commerce (NMCC) has been instrumental in carrying forward with KBR aiming at health wellness promotion and putting Kannur on the tourism map.
"As many as 1,000-plus participants, including 50 foreigners, came for the event this time'," according to A.K Rafeek, the convener of the KBR. Foreigners include those from Hungary, Kenya, Netherlands and Dubai. "Many Kannur locals, settled in various countries, have come down for the annual run. Running along the picturesque beach of Payyambalam had exposed the untapped Kannur to the world," says Rafeek. Blade-runner Sajesh, who participated in the 3 km category, was honoured at the venue.
National athlete and KBR brand ambassador Thonakal Gopi, NMCC president K. Vinod Narayanan, P.K Mehaboob among others were present.
Rs 50,000, 25,000 and 5,000 were distributed as cash prize for the first three positions in both men, women sections of 10-km run (Elite/International) and 10-km amateur run. Rs 5000, 2500 and 1000 were awarded in the health category.
Winners: 10-km run (men) (Elite/International)--Ranjith S, Simion, Nabeel Shah. 10-km (women)--Angel James, Divya George, Sandra. 10-km amateur (men)--Binu, Sanchit, Ravikiran. (women)--Neethu, Shruthi, Stella.
