The concept of "Kochi Duskathon" arose from the rising number of runners and fitness enthusiasts in our country. With the increase in hectic life styles and busy schedules coupled with stress and other physical diseases associated, Running has proven to be an athletic and healthy sport, which brings positivity to mind and body in more than one ways.
There are numerous marathons being conducted in our country with numbers growing at an alarming rate on a yearly basis. Kerala, popularly known as "God's Own Country" has also been witness to the Marathon culture and is an ideal destination for Running having a favorable tropical climate, world-class scenic destinations and least polluted regions in the country.
The organizers conducted the event 'Joanns Kochi Duskathon 2018, Powered by Mahindra' this year which witnessed 1200+ runners in a one-of-a-kind sunset beach run, held first time in India. The event was held in association with DTPC Ernakulam and Department of Tourism, Kerala and was well received among the running groups, fitness enthusiasts and the local communities in Kerala.
Following the grand success of the inaugural event 'Kochi Duskathon 2018', the organizers have decided to make the event much bigger. Kochi Duskathon 2019 will attract the largest number of Barefoot runners in a beach run and will be held in association with DTPC Ernakulam and Kerala Tourism in one of the longest and most picturesque beach in Ernakulam district in God's Own Country, Kerala, India. An attempt will be made to break the existing Guinness World Record of Largest Barefoot race.
The event is being organized by 'TDK Sports' and executed by one of the veteran operators in this field, 'Santos King', based in Kochi. They have the rich experience of having conducted various adventure tours within Kerala and parts of South India, and are well versed with tackling the complexities and formalities associated with such events after successfully organizing events 'Tour de Kerala (TDK)' in 2014 and 'Kochi Duskathon 2018'.
The concept of Barefoot Running, also known as "Natural Running" is growing in popularity all across the world due to the realized health benefits. Barefoot running has been practiced throughout human history before shoes were invented and is still continued in Kenya and parts of Northern Mexico. Research evidence shows that running shoeless come with a number of benefits, from injury recovery to boosts in emotion. Some of the benefits include:
Keeping the above benefits in mind, the organizers have decided to make the Duskathon 2019, a complete Barefoot Running Event where an attempt to break the existing Guinness World Record will be made.
Aiming at promotion of the theme of World Tourism Day - "Tourism and Digital Transformation", this event will highlight the message of promotion of Tourism
The event will also promote Beach and Adventure tourism in Ernakulam district and also highlight the importance of maintaining one's health and benefits of Running to the general public. This will encourage more people to take Running as part of their daily life and routine. This event will also provide a gateway for organizing more National Level running events in Kerala, especially Ernakulam district in the near future.
The current record for the largest barefoot race involved 1,330 participants and was achieved by Wisdom Sports Group (China) at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China on 15th April 2017.
Kochi Duskathon 2019 will make an attempt to break the existing Guinness World Record of the 'Largest barefoot race'.
Shri. Paul Padinjarekkara is a veteran Runner who started his running passion only when he was about to retire from the Cochin Port Trust. However, he crossed many milestones that no other Runner could have made. Here's his achievements with regard to Distance running:
Total Distance ran in 3 years: 7750 kms which includes:
Other achievements:
In this video, he's supporting the litmus7 Fort Kochi Heritage Run organised by the Cochin College Alumni Association. Part of the proceeds will go to the Chief Ministers flood relief fund
Pls support the run.
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The proposed venue for the event is Kuzhuppilly to Cherai, one of the longest and most picturesque beach in Ernakulam district. Cherai attracts a lot of international and domestic tourists with excellent luxury and budget accommodation and close proximity to Kochi international airport and other tourist spots in Ernakulam district. Also, the beach is near the unexplored Muziris Heritage sites and the wonderful coastline in Vypin island. All the above factors make Cherai an ideal venue for conducting the Running event.
We are also trying to pitch in the tourism aspect in the whole event by providing a night stay on an optional basis in the most exotic ambience of Cherai. DJ will be part of the event and Beach Games will be conducted.
Safety precautions have been taken care of with provisions of ambulance services and volunteers appointed at every check point to oversee the race.
Event Name: Kochi Duskathon 2019
Event Type: Barefoot Run
Event Details: 10 Km Barefoot Beach Run, 5 Km Barefoot Beach Run, 3 Km Barefoot Family / Fun Run / Walk, Kuzhuppilly - Cherai Beach - Kuzhuppilly
Event Date / Time: 14th April 2019, 3 pm to 8 pm
Race Inclusions: Timing Chip, Finishers Medals, Running T Shirt, DJ, Live Band, Goodie Bag, Bonfire and Ethnic Kerala Dinner
No. of Participants: 3500+ runners
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