Chandigarh Marathon’s first edition put off to March 1

The first-ever Chandigarh Marathon, which was originally scheduled to be held on November 2, has now been postponed to March 1 next year. The development comes in view of the recent orders by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which directs UTs to seek prior approvals for any new projects or acceptance of tenders, confirmed highly placed sources.

Though the Sports Department had planned to hold the event well-in-time, tenders for various arrangements are yet to be issued. With the MHA’s September 19 letter, the power to approve or sanction schemes, administrative approval (works) and expenditure sanction for projects and power to accept tenders were withdrawn from UT officials.

“The event has been postponed, not owing to some technical reasons but due to some restrictions which were introduced recently. Considering the upcoming conditions and other events, it has been decided to host this event (Chandigarh Marathon) on March 1,” said an official of the UT Sports Department, privy to the matter. Meanwhile, the new date has already been updated on the official website https://chdmarathon.chd.gov.in.

The Chandigarh Marathon will offer the highest-ever prize money purse for an event hosted by the Sports Department, and perhaps the highest prize money offered for a sports event in the city.

The event will feature a full marathon, a half marathon (21.097 km), a fitness gauge run (10 km) and a 5-km fun run/family run and will be conducted in both men’s and women’s categories. The entry fee for the full marathon is Rs 2,000, half marathon Rs 1,500, fitness gauge run Rs 1,000 and 5-km run Rs 500.

On the prize money front, winners (men and women) of the full marathon will be awarded Rs 10 lakh each. The second position holders will get Rs 8 lakh each followed by Rs 6 lakh each for those finishing third. The half marathon winners of both categories will bag Rs 5 lakh each, followed by the second finishers Rs 4 lakh each and third position holders Rs 3 lakh each. The winners of the 10 km event will get Rs 2 lakh each. The second position holders will get Rs 1.5 lakh each and those finishing third will be awarded Rs 1.25 lakh each. Besides, those finishing fourth will get Rs 1 lakh each, fifth Rs 75,000 each, sixth Rs 50,000 each, seventh Rs 35,000 each, eighth Rs 25,000 each, ninth Rs 15,000 each and 10th Rs 10,000 each.

The marathons’ route will cover Sukhna Lake, Leisure Valley, Rose Garden, Rock Garden, Sector 17 Plaza and Capitol Complex. The courses for the full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.0975 km), 10 km and 5km have been officially measured and certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races and International Association of Athletics Federations.

The routes were measured on July 29, and were valid till 2029. A marathon expo will also be organised for the participants. The organisers were expecting many national and international professional racers for the event. Now, with ample amount of time in hand, the department is hoping to get a good response from young runners as well.