Kerala’s CB Benson and Reena Manohar won the marathon crowns in the 9th edition of Kochi Spice Coast Marathon 2024 at the Marine Drive in Kochi on Sunday morning.
Making the most of an enjoyable route on a cool, overcast morning, Benson comfortably tackled the 42.2 kilometres in 3:00:42. He was third time lucky after finishing second in the previous two editions.
Justin (03:06:56) and Sreenidhi Sreekumar (03:08:49) grabbed the second and third positions.
Reena Manohar did the star turn among women, covering the same distance in 04:50:06 to emerge victorious. Mary Joshy (04:53:59) and Nileena Babu (04:54:32) took the other honours in the gruelling run.
Organised by Soles of Kochi, the marathon saw over 8,000 participants in the different formats on offer. Several NGOs and corporates fielded teams, led by Kochi Police with 126 members, including 50 women. Air India, Indian Navy, RBI, IOC and Cochin Shipyard were some of the other popular groups.
Sajith KM strikes a hat-trick
In the other highlight of the day, Sajith KM (1:21:23) completed a grand hat-trick, winning the half-marathon title for the third successive time. Athul Raj (01:22:37) and Vishnu VR (01:23:05) grabbed the other two positions on the podium.
Among women, AK Rama (1:55:33), Jaseena Khani (1:58:03) and Bismy Augustine (1:59:00) were the winners.
“It is indeed a proud moment for us at Ageas Federal Life Insurance to organize yet another successful edition of the Kochi Spice Coast Marathon,” said Jude Gomes, MD and CEO of Ageas Federal Life Insurance, the sponsor of the tournament.
“In Kochi, every year, running enthusiasts look forward to participating in this unique run and this year is no different. We are very happy with the huge response from runners from across age groups. We hope this positive trend continues and Kochi leads the way, as our country moves towards adopting a fitter lifestyle to become Future Fearless,” he added.
Results:
Full Marathon (42.2 km)
Men: 1. CB Benson (03:00:42); 2. Justin (03:06:56); 3. Sreenidhi Sreekumar (03:08:49)
Women: 1. Reena Manohar (04:50:06); 2. Mary Joshy (04:53:59); 3. Nileena Babu (04:54:32)
Half Marathon (21.1 Km)
Men: 1. Sajith KM (01:21:23); 2. Athul Raj (01:22:37); 3. VR Vishnu (01:23:05)
Women: 1. AK Rama (01:55:33); 2. Jaseena Khani (01:58:03); 3. Bismy Augustine (01:59:00)