2nd CHANDIGARH MARATHON

- Registrations in full swing – crosses 2,500 mark.

Chandigarh, Sanjay Pahwa :

Chandigarh is all set for 2nd Chandigarh Marathon, a mega tourism sports event of Chandigarh Administration scheduled to be held on March 13th (Sunday) from Rock Garden. 2nd Chandigarh marathon which is sponsored by the State Bank of Patiala and co sponsored by Indian Oil Corporation is being organized by Sport18 - The sports management division of the Network18 group. The underlying theme of the event is to run for the spirit of Chandigarh. It will be a great occasion for participants from all across the country to run along with International athletes in the most picturesque area of Chandigarh encompassing the beautiful Janmarg and Uttar Marg linking with the Lake promenade up to the Regulator End and back to Rock Garden in loops for a Full Marathon (42.197 kms) and Half Marathon (21.095 Kms), Dream Run (5 Kms) from Rock Garden to Chandigarh Golf Course and Back. Chandigarh has everything that a runner would want broad roads, scenic environment and supportive onlookers.

International and Indian athletes will compete for the prize money upto Rs 6 Lacs in the Half and full Marathon. Cheering groups, enthusiasts and live band performances shall provide a wholesome experience for participants along the race track.

According to Home Secretary, Ram Niwas, “Chandigarh Marathon has been enlisted as an annual feature of Chandigarh Administration. He further added that International and National Athletes would enjoy the Full and Half Marathon runs on the boulevard roads in the pollution free environment and sporty culture which shall make the second marathon of Chandigarh as the best Marathon in the country and in the coming years. The Chandigarh Marathon will achieve new heights.”

Mr. Ashok Nayar, MD, State of Bank of Patiala also conveyed , “It is a matter of great pride for SBP to associate with the second edition of the Chandigarh Marathon. Running is an activity that cuts across age groups, socio-economic classes and genders. We invite the citizens of Chandigarh to come out in large numbers unitedly to support the run as a stand against corruption."

Satish Menon, CEO of Sport18 also added that, “they are happy to organise 2nd Chandigarh Marathon and expect a larger turnout as Chandigarh is a sporty city and extended full support for the Chandigarh Cyclothon organised with Tourism Department UT in September last year.

Chandigarh Marathon shall have online registrations to continue up to 10th March at www.chandigarhmarathon.com or SMS CHAND to 51818 for details. There is also a dedicated Marathon helpline on which information about the event can be sought on 092217 38012 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.).. For all the three categories, each participant gets a free t-shirt. Registration fees along with start times for all the three categories are mentioned below. The events allow participants to choose from 3 categories.

VENUE: ROCK GARDEN

Chandigarh Administration has made full arrangements for making 2nd Chandigarh Marathon a great success with stationing of Health Department personnel at Rock Garden to take care of sanitation and hygiene. These personnel would also be deployed along the Marathon route. Ambulances and doctor steam would be stationed at Rock Garden and also at vantage places along the race track so as to provide emergency medical aid to the participant runners. The Traffic police has made elaborate arrangements along the Janmarg and Uttar Marg at the race track for successful management of the 2nd Chandigarh marathon on March 13th. The UT Sports Department shall provide technical support and volunteers.

Chandigarh Administration has invited its own renowned golfer Jeev Milkha Singh to flag off the Half Marathon run whereas Olympic and World Championship bronze medallist Vijender Singh will flag off the Elite Marathon amidst National and International Athletes. Besides this, the brightest star – the only Olympian shooter of India Abhinav Bindra would join the Dream run. Other Celebrities from Bollywood and Sports fraternity are expected to participate in the Marathon runs/races.

The special feature of the event will be a world class Marathon expo to be held at Cricket Stadium Sector 16 where runners will get great information on different aspects of running and staying injury free, will get goodies bags also for early registration.

Home Secretary Chandigarh asserted that the Marathon runs aims to reinforce a supporting momentum in Chandigarh and establish such a running event which can match the aspirations of athletes for targeting the prize money and the common people for participation in the larger interest of Sports and personal fitness.