Over 60,000 take part in Chennai Marathon

Defying heavy rains, over 60,000 people participated in the Chennai International Half Marathon conducted here this morning. The event held for the second time witnessed repeat audience, according to organisers.

Stating that the event was a complete "success" and he was fully "satisfied", Fr. Jagath Casper of Goodwill Communications, the organisers of the event, said that over 60,000 participants hailing from various states and cities actively took part.

He said this was the first time that the 'international' tag was attached to the event and a special category for disabled people was also introduced.

The marathon conducted near the famous Island grounds here, was divided into 21 km, 7 km and wheelchair, respectively.

The funds raised for this event were mobilised through sponsorships and registrations and the proceeds would be later handed over to city-based NGO "Give Life", Casper said.

John Wambus from Kenya, won the title in the international category carrying a cash prize of Rs5 lakh, while Deepchand Saharam from Rajasthan and P Nagendra Rao from Tamil Nadu bagged cash prize of Rs1 lakh each, winning national and state titles, respectively.     

The event was formally flagged off by Tamil Nadu chief minister's daughter and MP Kanimozhi and IT minister Poongothai Aladi Aruna.