Thrissur: "If I defeat you, Sir, will you give the students a holiday?" was Salman's challenge. "I have accepted this challenge." - Thrissur district Collector Arjun Pandian said, holding Salman close before the start of the 12-kilometre run from Palappilly through Chimmini Road. "I will beat you for all the children of Thrissur." - the 12-year-old Salman added with his competitive spirit by raising the victory symbol.

Salman ran without paying attention to the Collector during the race. The Collector tried his best to catch up with him.

The incident, which sparked curiosity, took place during a race held on Sunday to promote physical fitness and healthy habits among people from various parts of the district.

Endurance Athletes Of Thrissur organised this run. It started from the Palappilly Junction area at 6.30 am. In the race that had more than a hundred competitors, Salman reached the finishing point ahead of the Collector. "Salman is a good runner, he ran by sprinting," the Collector said, and did not hesitate to congratulate the young runner.

When the question "Aren't you keeping your word?" was raised by the crowd, the collector announced with a smile. "There will be no rain on Monday. It is a green alert for a few more days. In any case, the next holiday declared due to rain will be 'dedicated' to Salman."

Salman, son of Sharafudheen and Sabita, a native of Krishnapuram, Kalathode, is a seventh-grade student of St Mary's Lourdes School, Thrissur. He is training under the guidance of physical education teacher Joby Michael.