DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

After the phenomenal success of the first four editions of the Daily World Marathon held in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022, the 5th edition of the run touched new heights on Sunday.

Over 5,000 participants from different parts of India and the world took part in the Marathon here.

The anticipation was palpable as the Marathon unfolded its grand spectacle at the Capitol Complex. Organised by the Daily World Newspaper in association with the UT Administration and the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, this event promised an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike.

Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Shri Banwarilal Purohit, who graced the event as the Chief Guest, flagged off the 5-km Fun run adding to the event's prestige and significance.

The Marathon was started from Chandigarh's iconic Capitol Complex and the running circuit had a picturesque Sukhna lake view and the marathon and half marathon routes went up to IT Park. Apart from 42.195km, half marathon (21.09) and 10km timed run, 5km fun run to promote fitness and healthy way of life was also held.

The event kicked off amid fanfare and apart from the elite runners showing their excellence by achieving top positions in the timed runs. Each runner was presented with a finisher's medal. The run carried a total cash prize money of Rs 10 lakh.

Shri K Siva Prasad, Additional Secretary to Punjab Governor, flagged off the 42 km (full marathon) whereas Shri Raj Kumar Singh, IG, Chandigarh flanked by Chandigarh SSP Kanwardeep Kaur flagged off the 21 km run. Punjab DGP (Training and Welfare) Ishwar Singh along with Punjab IG Headquarters Sukhchain Singh Gill and several other senior police and judicial officers flagged off the 10-km run.

Besides Shri Vijai Vardhan, Chairman, Haryana State Information Commission, Shri Anirudh Tewari, Director General, MAGSIPA, Shri Tejvir Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries & Commerce), Punjab, Shri Ajoy Kumar Sinha, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance), Punjab, Shri Vishwajit Khanna, Chairman, Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Shri A Venu Prasad, Member, Punjab NRI Commission, Punjab DGPs Shri Prabodh Kumar and Shri Satish K. Asthana, Hindustan Times Executive Editor Shri Ramesh Vinayak, ADGP Shri Amit Prasad, Education Secretary Shri K K Yadav, Secretary rank officer Mr. Arshdeep Singh Thind and several other senior bureaucrats attended

the gala event.

Akshay Kumar bagged the first prize. He clocked 2:22:33 sec to win the men's 42.195 km run. Marathon runner from Kenya, Daniel Cheruiyot (2:28:38sec) finished second, while Ajay Kumar (2:29:44 sec) won bronze in the men's marathon.

While in the women's section of the marathon, Bhagirathi clocked 3:06:23 sec to grab the top position. Kenyan Brigid Jerono Kimitwai (3:09:26sec) finished second and Svati Pal finished third with a timing of 03:24:27sec. The Daily World Marathon is considered as the biggest running event of the region ? both on cash prize and participation.
(editor@dailyworld.in)