80,000 register for Nagpur Intl Marathon on Jan 30

The maiden Nagpur International Marathon scheduled for January 30 has received an overwhelming response with nearly 80,000 people, including professionals and foreign athletes, confirming their participation in various categories.

About 28 foreign athletes, including 11 women, along with national athletes from various clubs and departments would be vying for Rs 37-lakh prize money, Union Minister and convener of the event Vilas Muttemwar said at a press conference in Nagpur on Wednesday (Janauary 28).

About 15 athletes, who arrived in the city yesterday, were present at the press conference.

Some of the athletes taking part in the Friday event had bagged positions in various Marathon races like at Pune, Pyong Yang, Nigeria, Casablanca, Warsaw, Switzerland and South Africa in 2007 and 2008, he said.

The event is being organised by International Day for Non-Violence Organisation Committee headed by Muttemwar.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA), State Directorate of Sports & Youth Welfare besides various bodies in Nagpur are assisting in organising the event.

IOA President Suresh Kalmadi, ace shooter and Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra and singer Vaishali Made would take part in the flag-off ceremony.

The winner in full marathon (42 km) in men's section will receive Rs 2.50 lakh, while the half marathon victor will be given Rs 1.50 lakh. Other events include 10-km race for men, those for under 18, under 16, under 14 years, veterans and wheelchair.
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