Mancherial to host first national-level forest safari marathon on October 11

Mancherial will host its first national-level forest safari marathon on October 11, with nearly 300 participants registered from India and abroad. Organised by the Forest Department and GreenSequr Foundation, the event aims to promote ecotourism and showcase the region.

Mancherial: The stage is set for hosting a first ever national-level marathon along a safari track in the forests near Mancherial town on October 11.

The Forest department in collaboration with a Hyderabad-based GreenSequr Foundation is organizing the programme for the first time in the district to promote ecotourism and to earn recognition for the region.

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District Forest Officer Rahul Jadhav said that elaborate arrangements had been made for smooth conduct of the event in the dense forests surrounded by hillocks and historical Gandhari Khilla from 5 am to 11 am. Three tracks have been readied. Medical camps have been set up along the camp to attend emergencies. Drinking water facilities and other amenities are in place.

Forest officials said that nearly 300 fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers from not only several parts of Telangana, but also Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka states, Germany and Australia enrolled their names for the programme. The participants would be provided with snacks, a T-shirt, a medal, and a certificate of appreciation.

According to the forest authorities, children above eight years are allowed to take part in the 5 km run, while those over 14 years can participate in 10km and more than 18 years in 30 km events. The participants need to pay a nominal fee charged by the forest department.

Saplings would be planted in honor of the participants on a piece of land in Gandhari Vanam, an urban park on the periphery of Bokkalagutta in Mandamarri mandal, the day after the event.