Federal Bank Kochi Marathon 2025 to Promote Circular Economy in Third Edition This February

Kochi (Kerela) [India], December 2: The third edition of the Federal Bank Kochi Marathon, organised by Cleosportz, will be held on February 9, 2025. Emphasising the sustainability goals of the Kochi Marathon, the organisers aim to promote the Circular Economy as the core theme of the 2025 edition of the celebrated run.

At the launch event held at Hotel Vivanta Marine Drive, the official announcement was proclaimed by the Chief Guest Justice Devan Ramachandran, in the presence of Federal Bank Chief Marketing Officer MVS Murthy and Cleosportz Director Baiju Paul. Through the third edition of the Federal Bank Kochi Marathon, the organisers aim to enhance public awareness about the concept of a circular economy in sustainable initiatives.

The Federal Bank Kochi Marathon, scheduled to be flagged off from Marine Drive on February 9, will be held in four categories: the 42.195 km Marathon, 21.097 km Half Marathon, 10 km Run, and 3 km Green Run. A special category has also been included for differently abled people. The Green Run, conceived as a fun run, is open to participants from various sectors of society, including schools, colleges, housing societies, women’s organisations, corporate employees, and voluntary organisations. Participants in the Green Run can present messages aligned with the theme “Clean, Green, and Safe Kochi”. Those interested to be part of the Federal Bank Kochi Marathon can register on the link http://www.kochimarathon.in.

Former Indian Netball Team captain and film actress Prachi Tehlan has been announced as the Goodwill Ambassador for the Kochi Marathon, while Olympian Anand Menezes has been named the Race Director. A key highlight of this year’s marathon is the participation of elite athletes from across the country. The marathon is being organised with the recognition of the Athletics Federation of India.

The timing certificates awarded to winners of the Federal Bank Kochi Marathon will be considered as qualifying criteria for leading marathons globally. This year, the prize pool amounts to ₹15 lakhs.

Addressing the gathering at the event, Justice Devan Ramachandran unveiled the logo for the Circular Economy initiative of the marathon and expressed the hope that the Kochi Marathon would contribute substantially to transforming the city’s image. He stated that, along with promoting health and wellness, the Federal Bank Kochi Marathon serves as a platform to address social and environmental issues. Highlighting the necessity of public participation for sustainable development, he emphasised the importance of circular economy practices and environmental conservation.

Federal Bank Chief Marketing Officer M V S Murthy expressed immense happiness to be a part of the third edition of the Federal Bank Kochi Marathon. He noted that the marathon aims to promote and raise awareness about the circular economy, a topic of significant global discussion. Cleosportz Directors Anish Paul, MRK Jayaram, and Shabari Nair stated that Season 3 of the Federal Bank Kochi Marathon is being organised to spread the importance of creating valuable products from waste materials as part of efforts to make Kerala waste-free.

During her presentation, Prof. Lisy Julius from Jain (deemed to be) University, Kochi, explained the significance and necessity of a circular economy. Suraj Tom, the founder of Planet Earth, a leading organisation specialising in creating valuable products from waste materials, presented a testimonial on the circular economy.

The first bib of the Full Marathon was handed over by Federal Bank CMO M V S Murthy to Coastal Security A.I.G Poonguzhali. The first bib for the 3 km run was presented by Justice Devan Ramachandran and MVS Murthy to social media influencers mother and son duo Sharath Krishnan and Geethamma. On the stage, Olympians K.M. Binu, Mercy Kuttan, and M D Valsamma were honoured by Olympian and Federal Bank Kochi Marathon Race Director Anand Menezes. The event was attended by a large number of dignitaries including Indian Athletics Vice President Chandrashekharan Pillai, Federal Bank Zonal Head Renji Alex, Federal Bank Vice President Suresh Kumar G, Federal Bank Vice President Rajesh K.G, Prathidvani Joint State Convener Ashik Srinivasan, and Aster Medcity Medical Director Dr. Johnson K. Varghese.