Saidappa, Sannakki triumph

 Saidappa D Myageri of Bagalkot and Thippava Sannakki of Railways emerged winners in the men’s and women’s categories in the K A Nettakallappa Memorial Road Races, organised by the Deccan Athletic Club and sponsored by Deccan Herald and Prajavani, here on Sunday.

 In the men’s 12km race, Saidappa clocked 38:44.13 seconds to bag the gold. Saidappa, who took the lead after 3 km, remained in front till the end of the contest. K S Rajesh of Mandya, who gave stiff competition to Saidappa throughout the race, finished second in 39:01.11 while Bagalkot’s Ismail came third in 39:10.96.

“I don’t have a coach. I work in a farm regularly and that’s the secret to my fitness and strength,” said Saidappa, a second year pre-university student.

In the women’s 6km race, the experienced Sannakki added another gold to her kitty by finishing first in 22:43.52.  A Akshatha of Davanagere (23:53.42) and Malleshwari Rathod of Bengaluru (23:59.85) claimed the second and third positions. 

 Sannaki said the win was a great boost to her preparations for the  National Inter-State Athletics meet in Hyderabad later this month.  “It was a competitive race like every year. But I was able to cross the finish line with ease. Ever since I won my first gold at this meet six years ago, there hasn’t been much difference in my efforts,” said Sannakki.

In the boy’s 2.5km, defending champion Dinesh raced to victory in 8:04.87. Dinesh, a 10th standard student of NITTE Education Trust, Udupi, had won the gold in Udupi and Hassan legs of the races last year.

Dinesh finished ahead of Nagaraj (8:08.63) of Alva’s and Vijaya Sarathi (8:12.45) of Ramanagara. 

“To win the gold for the third time is a wonderful feeling,” said an elated Dinesh.   
The second leg of the races will be held in Haveri on July 3.

Results: Men: 12 km: Saidappa D Myageri (Bagalkot) 38:44.13, 1; KS Rajesh (Mandya) 39:01:11, 2; Ismail (Bagalkot) 39:10.96, 3.

Women: 6 km: Thippava Sannakki (Railways, Mysuru) 22:43.52, 1; A Akshatha (Davanagere) 23:53.42, 2; Malleshwari Rathod (Bengaluru) 23:59.85, 3.

Boys: 2.5 km: Dinesh (NITTE Education Trust, Udupi) 8:04.87, 1; Nagaraj (Alva’s) 8:8.63, 2; Vijaya Sarathi (Ramanagara) 8:12.45, 3.

Girls: 2.5 km: EB Arpitha (Bengaluru) 10:06.65, 1; BG Jhanvi (Bengaluru) 10:07.78, 2; Malashri 10:08:88, 3.