Elite runners in fray

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Distance runners Sudha Singh.

The country’s elite distance runners will vie for the top honours at the Mawana Sugars Indian Open marathon, to be held in the capital on February 17.

Last year’s winner Satya Prakash of Services, Olympian Ram Singh Yadav, K.C. Ram, Angad Kumar and Sudha Singh are among the top runners who have confirmed their participation in the capital’s longest running event.
Besides, large contingents from the Indian Army, Delhi Police, Air Force, BSF and students from colleges of Indraprastha University will be part of the event.
Into its 24th edition, the marathon — held under the aegis of the Athletic Federation of India — will be flagged off from India Gate and nearly 12,000 entrants, the largest ever gathering, are expected to run in the full and half marathon, respectively.
“We are expecting a huge response from schools, colleges and corporate houses in Delhi. We have already received 8,000 applications.
“We expect nearly 12,000 entries for the marathon and we hope to double the number next year by including more schools and colleges,” Siddharth Shriram, chairman of Mawana Sugars Limited told mediapersons here.
“In addition 50 para athletes have confirmed their participation,” said Shriram, adding that there would be special centres for dope tests of the participants.
The winners of the main marathon in both men’s and women’s category will recieve a cash prize of `2.5 lakh each.
Registration for the marathon is open till Sunday. Interested participants, above 18 years of age, may register online also at www.mawanasugars.com [2].