Bangalore, March 24, 2024 – In a landmark event for community engagement and sustainability, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) and the Bidadi Industries Association (BIA) Foundation have successfully hosted the Toyota Greater Bengaluru Bidadi Half Marathon 2024. This premier event, which took off from the picturesque Jollywood Studio & Adventures in Bidadi, attracted a participation of approximately 3,000 people from varied walks of life, including local communities, industry employees, and their families.
Spanning distances of 21Km, 10Km, and 5Km for individuals aged 16 and above, alongside a special 3Km category for children aged 8 to 15, the marathon was celebrated under the theme ‘Run For Safety & Sustainability’. Its objective was to encourage health consciousness and responsible road usage, aiming to instill a lasting, positive impact on the socio-economic landscape of the region.
The event saw the attendance of notable figures such as Dr. S Selva Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary of Department of Commerce & Industries, Karnataka, Dr. Avinash Menon Rajendran, IAS, Deputy Commissioner & District Magistrate of Ramanagara District, and Geetanjali Kirloskar, Chairperson & Managing Director of Kirloskar Systems Pvt. Ltd., among others. Their presence underscored the high level of support and anticipation surrounding the marathon.
The BIA Foundation, established in 2023 and operating under the Indian Trust Act, has been at the forefront of driving community development initiatives within the Ramanagara district. With substantial backing from industries in the Bidadi Industrial area and beyond, the foundation has been pivotal in orchestrating changes that significantly benefit local communities.
Toyota, a global advocate for road safety and environmental sustainability, was the title sponsor of the marathon. The event not only showcased physical endurance but also highlighted the importance of safety and sustainability, engaging participants in a collective mission towards a healthier and more responsible society. The celebration concluded with the distribution of medals, E-certificates, and cash prizes to the outstanding participants.
Sudeep S Dalvi, Senior Vice President, Director, and Chief Communication Officer at TKM, expressed his delight over the success of the event, stating, “The Toyota Greater Bengaluru Bidadi Half Marathon 2024 stands as a testament to our dedication towards fostering safety, sustainability, and unity within the community. We congratulate all participants and express our gratitude towards the BIA Foundation and all stakeholders for making this event a memorable milestone. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that drive positive change and look forward to making an even greater impact in the future.”
The marathon not only marked a significant achievement in promoting health and sustainability but also highlighted the collaborative spirit of the community, paving the way for future initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life in the region.
