Thiruvananthapuram: Seventeen more days and Kerala will witness Run Kerala Run, India’s biggest sporting festival of the year. The marathon run will act as a curtain raiser to the upcoming National Games to be hosted by the state.
The website of Run Kerala Run was launched by actor Mohanlal on Saturday along with minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and retired DGP Jacob Punnoose in the capital city.
The promotional run will see participation of many prominent figures including celebrities.
Film star Saranya Mohan says she is looking forward to being a part of India’s biggest sporting festival of the year.
Saranya said that she will take part in the Mega Run in Alappuzha as part of the Run Kerala Run marathon conducted across the state in connection with the National Games campaign.
“When people from all states of India come to Kerala, they must recognise Kerala’s unity by seeing the race where we all line up. It will be Kerala’s proudest run,” Saranya said.
“Can we stay away when Sachin Tendulkar leads from the front?” she asks.
“The National Games in Kerala and the Run Kerala Run preceding it will be models for others as to how a sporting event can be held most democratically. The National Games is reaching to the people this way.”
Saranya urged all Malayalees to be great hosts. She is also keen to take her friends and acquaintances along for the run.
Meanwhile, James Albert, scriptwriter and director, says he has also been on the run!
“I was running to shoot Mariam Mukku, my maiden film direction venture. Shooting is over. Now it is a hasty race to release the film on Jan 23. I will be going to Chennai on Jan 15 in connection with its tasks.
“Still I will be there to run along with you in the Run Kerala Run conducted as a precursor to the National Games. As a Malayalee, how can one not be a part of Run Kerala Run?
“I appeal to all to hit the road on Jan 20 to make this run intended to highlight the unity of Malayalees a huge success. Let the memories of the National Games which is reaching Kerala after 27 years, run throughout our lives.”