The first-ever Rekla race (bullock cart race) was conducted at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore on Sunday, March 17, and in its full glory. The competition witnessed nearly 400 bullock carts competing in two categories, namely the 200 meters and the 300 meters, where the first prize winner was awarded prize money of Rs. 1 lakh. It is worth noting that the Rekla Race was an important component in the 9-day 'Tamil Thembu' celebrations that began after Mahashivratri on March 9, with thousands of people in attendance to witness the grand event. 

'Tamil Thembu' celebrates the Tamil culture and tradition, and the Rekla race, which is considered to be one of the heroic sports of the Tamils, was conducted in front of the Adiyogi on the closing day at the Isha Yoga Center at Coimbatore. The competition was witnessed with immense fervour and enthusiasm where each bullock cart sped off from its starting point towards the finish line much to the astonishment of the thousands of onlookers. A cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh was awarded to the owners of the first place bullock cart in both categories. The 2nd prize winner was honoured with Rs. 50,000, followed Rs. 25,0000 being given as the 3rd prize, and the 4th prize recipient taking home Rs. 15,000. In addition, Rs. 3,000 was awarded to the owners of the bullock carts who came in between the 5th to 15th positions in the Rekla race, while the 16th to 30th place winners were awarded Rs. 2,000 each.