Prize Money Worth Rs 1.16 Crore: Chandigarh Runs In International Marathon
3,500 People Participated, Including 38 Foreign Runners
The first international-level Chandigarh Marathon and the largest ever held in Chandigarh. Organized by the UT Sports Department in collaboration with the UT Administration, the marathon started and ended at the Chandigarh Club in Sector 1. The event’s motto was “Run, Rise, Repeat.”
The full marathon will be 42 kilometers long. According to the designated route, runners will travel from the Punjab-Haryana High Court via Rock Garden, Lake Club, Matka Chowk, Transport Light, Rose Garden, PGI Gate 3, Leisure Valley, and the Chief Minister’s House before returning to Chandigarh Club. The administration has made extensive security and traffic management arrangements, with several routes diverted.
A total prize money of Rs 1.16 crore was awarded to the winner, runner-up, and third-place finishers. The competition was held in four categories. It included a full marathon (42 km), a half marathon (21 km), a 10 km, and a 5 km fun run. Runners aged 18 to over 50 participated. The 5 km run was organized to promote fitness awareness.
According to the Sports Department, approximately 3,500 participants from various states across the country registered for the marathon. Additionally, 38 foreign runners also participated. The flag-off for the various events took place between 4 am and 7 am. The city witnessed considerable enthusiasm for the event.
Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria stated that a large number of runners participated in the marathon. The 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km races were held. The 42 km race was completed in a record time of 2 hours 17 minutes, while the 21 km race finished in 1 hour 1 minute.
Over 3,500 participants attended, demonstrating the success of the event. I thank all participants and the media for their support. There are also plans to organize a bicycle marathon to involve more children. The discussion also highlighted ongoing efforts to make Punjab drug-free, involving the police, educational institutions, the public, and leaders.
