Top marathoners, sportspersons to run for a social cause

Chennai, June 4 (UNI) Top marathoners, including Kashinath Aswale, Santhosh Kumar and Preeti L Rao will exhibit their talent for a social cause running a 21.09 km marathon for men and women here on August 31 to raise funds and support the education of thousands of poor children through an NGO 'Give Life'.

The marathon, organised by the Chennai based 'Tamil Maiyam' - a forum to popularise Tamil culture and tradition, would also have other nationally accredited runners participating,Rajya Sabha MP and daughter of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, who is one of the founders of the forum, and Fr Jegath Gaspar of 'Tamil Maiyam' announced here today.

Well known sportspersons from other disciplines like cricket, hockey, football volleyball and basketball will also be part of the run.

They said 'Give Life' and 'Tamil Maiyam' would also undertake a 60-day campaign in the districts and rural areas to arouse the spirit of athleticism among youth, motivate and identify potential long distance runners from Tamil Nadu and support their training for 2010 Commonwealth Games.

''This is important in these days of youth spending time indoors playing computer games at home and not realising the immense benefits of taking to sports, especially athletics,'' Ms Kanimozhi observed.

Ms Kanimozhi also inaugurated the registration to participate in the marathon, the route for which would be announced later, by paying the fee.

UNI VV DS AB ND1824