100 foreign runners in Pune International Marathon

Pune, Nov 30 (UNI) A record number of 100 athletes, from different countries, will participate in the 23rd edition of the Vodafone Pune International Marathon, to be held here on December 7.

The men and women runners will run for the distance of 42.195 km and 9.21 km (half marathon) respectively.

Apart from the international section, the arch rivals Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) and Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSCB) will vie for the national title.

The Pune edition assumes importance as it has been recognised as the national marathon by the Athletic Federation of India (AFI), the apex body of athletics in the country.

The Railways will be have their hope on Bhairosing Lone, Abdul Barek, Sri Robinson Vein, Ravidra Nalawade, Yellappa Bhog, Yogesh Surve and Sampat Mudrak to regain the supremacy among the Indians.

The dark horses, however, will be Ajit Singh of Karnataka, Satish Kumar and Arun Kumar of Andhra Pradesh.

Maharashtra women squad is led by Kavita Raut of Nasik, winner among the Indian women at the recently held half marathon at Delhi, one of the favourites to retain the title.

The first three winners among the Indian full marathon will be awarded Rs 75,000, Rs 50,000 and Rs 30,000 while the winners for the women's half marathon will receive Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively.

UNI IS AB PY NS2106