Balipu’s Supercar Run Draws Over 1,800 Participants in Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 11, 2026: Balipu, a youth-oriented running club, drew more than 1,800 participants for its 5km Supercar Run held in the city on Sunday, exceeding the organisers’ initial estimate of 600.

The event aimed to encourage youngsters to embrace running and fitness through an unconventional format featuring a supercar leading the route.

“We had more than 1,800 participants, which is difficult to achieve in a city like Mangaluru. Unlike free marathons, this was a paid event, and people came to run for a cause. We also managed to attract more youngsters,” said Balipu co-founder Sohan Raj.

An Aston Martin Vantage led the run, which started near St Aloysius (Deemed to be University). The 5km route passed through KMC, Clock Tower and the Regional Transport Office before returning towards St Aloysius.

Sohan said the supercar was intended to attract automobile enthusiasts and young people to running. The initiative also aims to raise awareness about coastal conservation, cancer, women’s health, heritage preservation and cybercrime.

“We hope this format will help build a larger running community in Mangaluru,” he said.

Founded in July by 21-year-olds Jeethesh A and Sohan Raj, Balipu seeks to make running more appealing to youngsters through innovative event formats.