RAIPUR: Legendary athlete Milkha Singh will flag off the first ever Raipur Half Marathon on Sunday at
Chhattisgarh's new capital city of Naya Raipur. The event organised by the sports and youth welfare department will commence from the international cricket stadium.
Union sports minister Vijay Goel and Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh will be part of the show as chief guests.
Besides, track and field legend Milkha Singh and India’s Commonwealth Games gold medallist woman wrestler Geeta Phogat will be present as special guests, the official said.
“Such events not only foster a healthy lifestyle, but encourage participants to inculcate a competitive spirit, boost self confidence and conquer the fear and challenge,” secretary, sports & youth welfare, Sonmoni Bora told Express.
The 21 km half marathon will commence at 6.30 am on Sunday and the runners will have all facilities en route,
including drinking water, medical aid.
The registrations for Raipur half marathon have crossed the figure of 8,000 so far.
National and international runners are in the fray for the race.
“There are many international runners and as many as 22 foreign professionals who have given their consent to participate in the marathon. Those who couldn’t get themselves registered can also participate in the
race,” Bora said. The registration is free.
“It’s indeed going to be a great experience to be at the event in the new capital city of Raipur,” Milkha Singh said.
Raipur marathon offers a total prize fund of Rs 30 lakh across the 13 categories, including senior citizens,
youths, small children, divyang (physically challenged) among others.