All set for UT’s first world marathon
Over 3,500 expected to participate on March 1
The UT Administration is all geared up to organise theh first Chandigarh International Marathon on March 1. The event, being organised by the Sports Department, will be flagged off by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria.
More than 3,500 runners, including 38 international athletes, are expected to participate in it, making it one of the most prominent running events in the region. The marathon will feature four categories — full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon, 10-km timed run and 5-km run. The full marathon, which must be completed within six hours, will commence from Chandigarh Club and follow a route covering High Court Chowk, Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Lake Club, Matka Chowk, Transport lights, Rose Garden road, PGI Gate No. 3, Leisure Valley and the CM House chowk, before concluding at Chandigarh Club. The half marathon will be conducted on the same route in a single round. The 10-km timed run will also start from Chandigarh Club, passing through the same stretch up to Matka Chowk, and then proceed towards the Air Force Museum, Rose Garden and Government Museum before finishing at the starting point. The 5-km run will follow the Sukhna Path stretch.
Rankings in the competitive categories will be determined on the basis of recorded timings. The total prize money for the marathon stands at over Rs 1 crore, making it one of the most rewarding sporting events ever organised by the UT Sports Department.
Prizes will be distributed across age categories ranging from 18 years to 50+ years. In addition to age-category awards, the top three overall winners in each competitive segment will receive attractive cash prizes. A total of 138 winners will be awarded across various categories. Participants in the 5-km run will also receive medals and certificates in recognition of their participation.
Meanwhile, Kataria stated that the event would mark a historic day for Punjab and Chandigarh, as the city would host an international marathon for the first time. This prestigious event is a significant step towards placing Chandigarh prominently on the international sporting map, with the participation of some of the top athletes from across the country as well as around the world.
