Patna all set to host maiden marathon on Sunday

Patna is gearing up to host its maiden marathon, “Run for pride”, which will also witness the presence of “Flying Sikh” Milkha Singh, on December 17 morning.

Around 5,000 people from across Bihar are expected to participate in the event, which is being co-partnered by Government of Bihar. The event includes three categories - a half-marathon of 21.1km, a 10km run, both of which will be timed and a four km fun run/walk. Prizes worth Rs 10 lakh are up for grabs in various categories.

“This is Patna’s first marathon or half-marathon and the people have shown an overwhelming interest to participate in it. The theme - Run for Bihar - has touched many people,” said a senior official of the Patna district administration.

Around 40 schools of the state capital have also registered for the event, and the schools whose maximum students complete the marathon, will be declared the “Fittest School of Patna”.

The marathon will commence from Patna’s historic Gandhi Maidan at 6.45am on Sunday. It will touch Dak Bungalow crossing, Income Tax roundabout, Patna High Court, Bihar Museum, Patna zoo up to Raza Bazar flyover and back to Gandhi Maidan via the same route. The smaller runs will cover a section of the same route and will commence at different timings to avoid confusion or traffic. The district administration in process of readying the route and medical teams, drinking water stalls and volunteers will be stationed along it.