Coimbatore, June 9 : This year's traditional bullock cart race in Coimbatore attracted hordes of enthusiasts today.

The bullock cart race, which is popularly known as 'rekla' race, is organised to keep the traditional sport in the state alive.

Fifteen bullock carts ran through a distance of 10 kilometers as spectators cheered the participants.

Kumaralingam, the winner of the race said, "I participate in all the bull races, wherever it takes place and I have won three times in the races which took place in Tamil Nadu. I have won the race today and I am very happy," said Kumaralingam.

Organizers of the race said the race fulfills many purposes though their main aim this time was to make it part of the 85th birthday celebrations of State Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.

"This is the traditional bullock cart race and this type of races are vanishing from our country. We are trying to educate the younger generation about the traditional way of racing in our country and to create awareness among the people. This is also to encourage the farming community, who mainly depend upon bulls for agriculture activities. The main focus of this traditional race is to make it a part of the birthday celebration of our leader," said Shanmugasundaram, an organizer.

Bullock cart races are usually held after the harvest season in agricultural fields. Besides, testing the speed of the bullocks, the races also test the ability of farm hands to plough the fields using a pair of bullocks.

ANI