Srong Kenyan participation in Pune International Marathon

Pune, Nov 2 (UNI) Strong-contending Kenyans are among the 40 illustrious long-distance runners from 16 countries who have confirmed their participation in the 21st edition of the Pune International Marathon which will be flagged off here on November 26.

The gruelling 42.195-km race has been dedicated as ''Race the race against AIDS'' and is being sponsored by Hutch for the second year in succession.

Addressing a press conference here today, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi, who is also chairman of the Pune International Marathon Trust (PIMT) that is hosting the event, said world's numero uno long-distance running nation Kenya and their arch rivals Tanzania are among the 16 countries who have confirmed their participation in the marathon.

Among the other countries which have confirmed their participation are Russia, Ethopia, Germany, Denmark, Japan, Scotland, Sweden, United Kingdom, Nepal, Mauritius, Tazikistan, and Sri Lanka.

The PIMT has raised the total prize money this year to Rs 20 lakh from the earlier Rs 15 lakh, Mr Kalmadi informed. He hoped that this would attract the best marathoners to participate and lead to breaking of the two hours and ten minutes barrier.

The winner of the gruelling 42.195-km men's race will receive Rs three lakh and a trophy while the winner of the women's half marathon (21.98 Kms) will be awarded Rs 1.5 lakh, Mr Kalmadi said.

The Indian winners in both men's and women's sections stand to gain an additional Rs one lakh each as an incentive.

The various races under the Pune International Marathon are expected to attract over 30,000 runners in eleven different age groups, apart from the men's full and women's half marathons.

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