Mahesh wins 12km gold

Akshatha clinches eves' title

 Mahesh Kumar from Alva’s Sports Club, Moodbidre, and Davengere’s A Akshatha clinched the gold in the men’s and women’s sections respectively in the Deccan Athletic Club’s K A Nettakallappa Memorial Road Races, sponsored by Deccan Herald and Prajavani, here on Sunday.

In the men’s 12km race, Mahesh, a final year BA student, was pushed hard by Gadag’s Kanakappa Donni, before the former emerged champion in 39 minutes and 24 seconds. Kanakappa ended second (39:33) while Alva’s Sidhappa (40:52) finished third.

In the women’s 6km race, Akshatha clinched the yellow metal in 22 minutes and three seconds, ahead of Alvas’ KM Archana (22:10). “I want to work hard and achieve more in long distance running,” said a delighted  Akshatha.

NITTE’s Suma, who won gold in the Bidar leg, came third here in a time of 22:33.
In the boys’ 2.5km event, NITTE’s Dinesh completed a fine double, finishing first in seven minutes and five seconds. Dinesh had won the Bidar leg last week. RV Vijayasarathi (7:06) of Ramanagara bagged the silver.

Alvas’ Jayalakshmi (8:35) took home the gold in the corresponding girls’ category while team-mates Malashri (8:37) and Chithra (8:52) finished second and third respectively.


Results: Men (12 km): Mahesh Kumar (Alva’s Moodbidiri) 39:24, 1; Kanakappa Donni (Gadag) 39:33, 2; Sidhappa (Alva’s) 40:52, 3.Women (6 km): A Akshatha (Davengere) 22:03, 1; KM Archana (Avlas’s) 22:10, 2; Suma (NITTE) 22.33, 3.  Boys (2.5 km): Dinesh (NITTE) 7:05, 1; RV Vijayasarathi (Ramnagar) 7:06, 2; M Pundalika (Davengere) 7:06, 3.  Girls (2.5 km): Jayalakshmi (Alva’s Club) 8:35, 1; Malashri (Alva’s) 8:37, 2; Chithra (Alva’s) 8:52, 3.