Fifty countries to participate in Pune marathon on Nov 26

Pune, Apr 30 (UNI) Kenya, the power house of long distance running, are among the fifty countries invited to participate in the 21st edition of the Pune international marathon to be hosted by the Pune International Marathon Trust (PIMT) on November 26.

The popular annual event, dedicated to the eradication of AIDS, offers a whopping total prize money of Rs 15 lakhs. The Kenyan and the Tanzanian men and women have been the domineering force in the event during the last 20 years.

Chairing the PIMT organising committee meeeting here today, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi, MP, said initially invitation to fifty countries had been sent to attract men's full and women's half marathon athletes. ''PIMT thus focuses on the world's attention towards the task of creating awareness and eradication of dreaded malady AIDS in the country,'' the IOA chief observed.

The leading top long distance runners from Kenya, Tanzania, Russia, Germany, China, Japan, US, United Kingdom, Morocco and Australia would be the star attraction in the event, Mr. Kalmadi added.

UNI IS ADG PG BD1549