International marathon races to be held in Nagpur on on January 31

The city will host the second edition of International Marathon races worth prize money of Rs 35 lakh here to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on January 31, organisers said here today.

"About 50 international marathon runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Bulgaria, Tanzania and Russia and other countries will participate along with international, national and state runners", convenor of the Marathon and local Congress MP Vilas Muttemwar told a press conference. He said the organisers of the marathon, Maratha Lancers, viewing response to the event last year, were expecting more entires this year.

Full marathon for men will be held in 42.195 km and for women half marathon of 21.097 km. Besides there will be races for men open (12 km), women open (10 km) and for boys and girls below 18 years, Muttemwar said.

The winner in men's section will receive Rs 2.50 lakh and winner in women's section Rs 1.50 lakh cash prizes. Both the runners up will receive Rs 2.25 lakh and Rs 1.25 lakh respectively, he said. Winner if breaks the last year's record will get additional Rs one lakh, Muttemwar said.