26 foreign athletes to participate in Bangalore Intl. Marathon

Bangalore, Dec 3 (UNI) More than 20,000 runners, including 26 foreign Athletes are expected to participate in the US Dolar 25,000 BSNL-Bangalore International Marathon to be held here on December 16, Karnataka Athletics Association President G Parameshwara said today.

He told newsmen here that over 7050 entries have already been registered and many more were expected by December 15, the last date for registeration.

Mr Parameshwara said that the event had attracted entries from Kenya, Ethiopian, Uganda, United Kingdom, Morocco, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

Already three athletes from Kenya, including Ngira nyaga, who has participated in 11 Marathons, including three wins in Pune, Makau Nzioka and Sua Mutisya have arrived and practising for the big event, he added.

He said that the event would be held in five categories--Full Marathon 42.195 Km, Half Marathon 21.097 Km, Charity run by various NGOs, Corporates 5km, Senior Citizens 5 km and Wheel Chair 2 Km.

The winner of Full Marathon would receive cash prize of USD 5000, while Half Marathon USD 2000. Prize amount for second position upto sixth position ranges from USD 2250 to USD 600 in Men section, and from USD 1500 to USD 400 in Women section.

Besides, there would be a bonus cash prize for creating record in the event, he added.

Mr Parameshwara said that more than 600 volunteers would be on the job for providing water and refreshments to the participating athletes. Six Ambulance with paramedic staff would follow the athletes to attend in case of exigencies.

UNI