The coastal city of Mangaluru witnessed an inspiring spectacle of youthful energy and community spirit in the early hours of Sunday. The streets echoed with the cheerful ringing of bicycle bells as thousands of children participated in the Ideal Mangalore Cyclothon, championing a powerful message: 'We care for safety, we care for fitness, and we care for each other'.
Record Turnout and Enthusiastic Start
Dressed in official event T-shirts and accompanied by their parents, enthusiastic young cyclists began assembling as early as 5:30 AM. The gathering swelled rapidly, and within an hour, participation soared to a historic high. Over 1,260 children registered, marking the highest turnout across all editions of the event. This overwhelming response highlighted the growing community emphasis on health and active lifestyles for the younger generation.
Leadership and Inspiration on Wheels
The cyclothon was led by a team of the city's seasoned riders, including Joseph Pereira, Shymprasad Nayak, Brayan Deena, Harivijay Kudva, Yashwanth Rao, Ashok Lobo, Varun, and Vimlesh. Adding star power and inspiration for the kids were young cycling sensations Gleona D'Souza and Hardik Rai, who are making waves at state and national levels. They rode alongside the participants, motivating the next generation of cyclists.
The event was formally flagged off at 7:15 AM from the Mangala Stadium entrance. The flag-off ceremony was led by Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH, alongside Dr. Savil of Kasharp Fitness, Shivanand Rao of Grahini Masala, and Mutalib SM of Taj Cycles, Mangaluru.
Safe Passage and Community Support
The young riders navigated a carefully planned route: from Mangala Stadium, proceeding via Lady Hill, Pabbas, City Corporation, Canara College, Jail Road, Karangalpady, PVS, and MG Road, finally concluding at Canara School, Urwa Ground. Ensuring a smooth and secure ride, Mangaluru City Traffic police managed traffic at every junction, while dedicated volunteers guided the children on the road.
The event was bolstered by strong community and corporate backing. Ideal Ice Cream served as the main sponsor, with Grahini Masala and Kasharp Fitness as co-sponsors. AJ Hospital provided crucial on-ground support with first-aid and ambulance services. Taj Cycles offered a backup vehicle for any mechanical breakdowns, ensuring no rider was left behind.
Adding to the excitement, a lucky draw was held where brand new bicycles were gifted by Mutalib SM of Taj Cycles. The winners, Prajwal and Pawan, were selected based on their event registration confirmation numbers.
The Ideal Mangalore Cyclothon successfully transformed into more than just a cycling event; it became a vibrant community festival celebrating health, safety, and collective responsibility, setting a new benchmark for participatory fitness initiatives in the region.
