Over 3,500 take part in 1st Chandigarh International Marathon
Gulab Chand Kataria, UT Administrator, kicked off the event the event that consisted of four categories — full marathon (42 km), half marathon, 10-km run, and 5-km run
The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, flagged off the 1st Chandigarh International Marathon on Sunday morning. The event consisted of four categories — full marathon (42 km), half marathon, 10-km run and 5-km run.
The marathon, organised by the Department of Sports, Chandigarh Administration, witnessed enthusiastic participation from athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and citizens from across the region.
Addressing mediapersons here, Governor Kataria said over 3,500 participants took part in the marathon across 42 km, 21 km, 10 km and 5 km categories, with record timings in the full and half marathon events. He thanked participants and the media, announced plans for a future cycle marathon to involve more children, and highlighted continued efforts to make Punjab drug-free through coordinated initiatives.
Governor Gulab Chand Kataria takes part in the marathon in Chandigarh on Sunday. Tribune photo: Pradeep Tewari
Enthusiasts put their best foot forward at the marathon. Tribune photos: Pradeep Tewari
"A large number of people have come to participate in this marathon event, with 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km runs organised today. The 42-km race was completed in a record time of 2 hours and 17 minutes, while the 21 km race finished in 1 hour and 1 minute. Over 3,500 participants took part, reflecting the success of the event," the Governor said.
"I thank all participants and the media for their support. Plans are also under way to organise a cycle marathon to engage more children. The discussion further highlighted ongoing efforts to make Punjab drug-free, with initiatives involving the police, educational institutions, the public, and leaders," he added.
Earlier, Kataria also received the official Marathon T-Shirt from the officials of the Department of Sports, Chandigarh Administration, at Lok Bhavan on Saturday.
The Governor was ceremonially presented with T-Shirt No. 1, symbolising leadership and commitment to the spirit of sportsmanship. In the presence of Mandeep Singh Brar, Secretary Home, UT Chandigarh, the T-Shirt was presented by Secretary Sports, Chandigarh, Prerna Puri, and Director Sports Saurabh Arora.
