2600 entries received for 1st Chandigarh Marathon-Run

CHANDIGARH: Marathoners from Kenya, Ethopia & England will be in Chandigarh shortly for the 1st Chandigarh Marathon-Run for the spirit of Chandigarh. A total of around 2600 registrations including 100 for full marathon, 250 for half marathon & 2250 for 5 km dream run have been done. This was disclosed today in a press conference held in UT Secretariat, Sector 9.

While addressing the media personnel UT Home Secretary,  Ram Niwas said that in today’s world people are gradually including running and jogging as part of their daily routine and the Chandigarh Marathon will provide them an ideal platform to enjoy running. The mega tourism sports event of Chandigarh Administration scheduled on January 31, 2010 is being organized by the Sports Department and supported by Tourism Department in association with Running & Living Infotainment. The marathon will be an annual feature.

Niwas averred that the event has received great response at local, national & international level. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Water Resources,  Pawan Kumar Bansal will be the chief guest at the prize giving ceremony. Confirmations have been received from 14 renowned international Marathoners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Poland and England. Masresha from Ethiopia has best time of two hours and twelve minutes in full marathon of approximate 42 Kms.

According to Home Secretary, Ram Niwas, “Chandigarh Marathon has been enlisted as an annual feature of Chandigarh Administration and is optimistic that Chandigarh with its beauty, broad flat roads, pleasant weather, pollution free environment and sporty culture will provide an ideal place for making the first marathon of Chandigarh as the best Marathon in the country.”

UT Finance-cum-Sports Secretary,  Sanjay Kumar said that a Marathon Expo will be held at CGA Golf Course on January 29 and 30, 2010, where Medical examinations of the runners will be done. All technical & safety details of the marathon would be available there as well.

CEO of Running And Living Infotainment and also the Event Manager for the Chandigarh Marathon,  Rahul Verghese apprised that some registration would be done at the Expo on January 29 and 30 for those who were left out.

A Pre marathon marshal run will also be flagged off by renowned cricketer Dinesh Mongia along with Home Secretary Ram Niwas and Finance Secretary and Mr. Sanjay Kumar, from Rock Garden today.

Adding glamour quotient to the Marathon celebrities like Kiron Kher and Gul Panag are expected to participate in the event. Renowned Bollywood actress, Ms. Poonam Dhillon has given her confirmation. The confirmation from Kapil Dev is awaited. 

The flag off ceremony for Full Mararthon will be done by renowned Padmashri  Milkha Singh, the Flying Sikh whereas the Half Marathon will be flagged off by Adviser to the UT Administrator, Pradip Mehra. The prize money amounting up to Rs 5.87 lacs will be awarded to the winner and first runner up of Full Marathon Open, Full Marathon Indian Athletes, Half Marathon Open and Full Marathon Indian Athletes whereas medals and certificates will be awarded to all finishers and participants respectively.