Top world athletes to run for Gandhi

Thirty international and about one hundred top-Indian athletes will participate in the maiden Nagpur International Marathon, which has been organised here on January 30 to commemorate the death anniversary of the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi.

The event offers a total prize money of Rs 36,56,000. Top marathon runners from Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Russia, Ukraine and Nepal have been extended invitation in
both men and women section for this first ever event, its organising committee said.

"We run for culture of peace and non-violence," organising committee chairman, Vilas Muttemwar, said at a press conference here.

He said the men's race will cover 42.195kms while women will run a distance of 21.097 kms with a winning purse of rupees 2.50 lakh and 1.50 lakh respectively.

Besides, there will be races of 10km for both men and women, for boys and girls of under-18, under-16 and under-14 years of age, for veterans, handicapped and a celebrity run.

A total of Rs 25,80,00 will be given up to 25th position besides bonus money for Indian athletes upto third position in both section. The races will start from Kasturchand Park ground and finish at Yeshwant Stadium in Dhantoli.

Utter chaos mars Pune Marathon

Utter chaos and mismanagement marred the 23rd Vodafone Pune International Marathon on Sunday, which saw the disqualification of as many as 15 athletes, most of them from abroad on grounds of “not following the official route”.

As many as 72 athletes from 12 countries participated in the 42.195 km marathon, which saw the participation of 558 athletes. Another 7600 people, mostly from the corporate, educational institutes and others participated in the 4.5 km AIDS charity run.

Kenya’s Nelson Kurwa Rotich completed the marathon in 2 hours 17 minutes and 45 seconds to grab the winning trophy and the prize money of Rs 3 lakh. In the women’s half-marathon (21km) category, Kenyan runner Caroline Chepponui Kilil clocked an hour 10 minutes and 17 seconds to emerge as the winner.

Latest Marathon News - Delhi , Athens, Birmingham, Amsterdam

Airtel Delhi Half Marathon

The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon which was positioned as the richest and the most prestigious half marathon in the world was ably justified by Ethiopian Deriba Mergia who finished in a time 0:59:15 which is the fastest time for 2008. This IAAF Gold Label Road Race also provided the thousands of spectators with 2 further sub 60 minute finishes, which reiterates the growing stature of this outstanding Event.

Over 25,000 participants lined up at Vinay Marg on Sunday morning to compete in the main half marathon event as well as the shorter Delhi Great Run.

It was also as much a visual delight with the heritage structures of Parliament & India Gate providing the perfect backdrop. One had to be there to witness the rich, diverse culture & tradition that India has to offer.
The photos here are a testimony to that. Do check them out


Athens Classic Marathon

There is something special about finishing a marathon in a significant venue. In Athens there is nothing more significant or appropriate than the marble Panathinaikon Stadium built for the first of the modern Olympics in 1896.

Runners followed in the footsteps of the soldier who, in 490BC, ran from the town of Marathon to Athens to deliver a message of victory in battle. Their route included a circuit of the original battle site past the memorial and soldiers' tomb. Further on the course offered picturesque sea views before heading into Athens and a personal victory at the stadium.

In 2010 Athens will celebrate 2500 years since that original epic run.


Birmingham Half Marathon


Around 8,000 runners participated in the inaugural EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon on Sunday October 26. This 13.1 mile road race which was organised by Birmingham City Council and sponsored by EDF Energy, started at the Birmingham Alexander Stadium with runners making there way into the city centre along the A34.
The Mens winner Andi Jones crossed the line in 1.05.42 and the Womens winner Birhan Dagne finished in 1.17.40.

Amsterdam Marathon

The 33rd edition of the Amsterdam Marathon was a big success. With a large number of participants, over 24000 at all Amsterdam marathon events, and good weather conditions.
A beautiful race on a fast course passing many touristic highlights, and finishing at the 1928 Olympic Stadium.
The fastest participant at the Marathon this year was the Kenyan Paul Kiprop Kirui in a time of 2:07:51.

Chennai Marathon 2008

Tamil Film actor Surya in Chennai Marathon 2008