BANGALORE - About 500 denizens, including celebrities and students, participated Sunday in a nine-km marathon in this IT hub to heighten urgency in placing energy efficiency systems and renewable energy options.

‘Bangalore is reeling under rising temperatures, measuring 33 degrees Centigrade and above as against 22 degrees Centigrade a decade ago during the same time of the year. We are at a stage where we cannot settle for half measures, we need an energy revolution,’ said Greenpeace climate activist Brikesh after the hour-long green run.

The green marathon was organised by M.S. Ramaiah Institute for Management, non-government organisation Greenpeace and Radio Indigo 91.9 FM with a view to propagate Bangalore as a leader in renewable energy.

‘We want the seven-million Bangaloreans to know that it is high time they started becoming energy efficient. Something as simple as replacing all the incandescent bulbs with CFLs and LEDs will overcome the peak power shortage in Bangalore. We need to take immediate proactive steps,’ said national swimming champion Nisha Millet, who participated in the marathon.

Among the prominent runners were sports celebrities Rehan Poncha, Ashish Ballal, Shikha Tandon and Ashwini Nachappa.

‘There are enough sources of renewable energy, solar, wind, geothermal, which if tapped and exploited could light up the planet without setting on fire the one planet we have,’ Brikesh said.

During the marathon, participants and ‘torch-bearers’ for a green and sustainable environment were reminded of the ‘nine commandments’ that have to be adhered to in order to mitigate climate change.

‘The commandments include the fundamentals requiring citizens to not only save energy, but also pledge to replace inefficient appliances and shift to renewables in their day-to-day lives,’ said M.S. Ramaiah management institute student Rahul Verma.