Fauja Singh, Elli Avram flag off half marathon

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, March 5

The annual 10th CT Half Marathon was held this morning. Thousands of people participated in the race for charity.

Participants from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana and other states ran for the noble cause at the half marathon organised by the CT Group, which was flagged off by Bollywood actor Elli Avram, centenarian marathon runner Fauja Singh and Punjabi singer A-Kay at CT Shahpur Campus.

In the half marathon, sports persons to senior citizens to Olympians, artists, players and also the physically challenged, joined in.

There were live performances by leading Punjabi stars like Master Saleem, Jenny Johal, Manna Mand and Bura Purewal at CT Maqsudan Campus. RJ Pak Pak Deepak and others celebrity radio jockeys mesmerised the audience. The CT Group also encouraged the physically challenged students from Prayas (a school for special students) and Apahaj Ashram to participate in the race. There was a special 100m race for the students of Prayas at CT Maqsudan campus.

Manbir Singh, managing director, CT Group of Institutions, said the funds raised will be donated to Prayas School, Pingalwara, and Red Cross Society. "The event has been successful for the last nine years. It has helped us collect funds for the deprived and the needy as it gives a combined platform to many for the noble cause."

During the previous years, we had ace athlete Milkha Singh, singer Gurdas Maan, Bollywood actors Neha Dhupia, singer Jazzy B, Indian and other famous celebrities flag off the marathon and make their presence felt by taking part in the marathon.

Charanjit Singh Channi, chairman, CT Group of Institutions, congratulated the winners. A huge cash prize was also announced for the winners. The first prize was of Rs 25,000 (male and female), the second prize was of Rs 11,000 (male and female), third prize was of Rs 5,100 (male and female) and the seven consolation prizes were of Rs 2,100.