Bimal Mahato, Rina Das for Kolkata Marathon

Kolkata, Feb 19 (UNI) Established long distance runners Bimal Mahato and Rina Das will be among the several professonal marathoners who will feature in the Rs 8.5 lakh Kolkata Marathon on February 25.

Talking to mediapersons here today, Organising Committee President Noomi Mehta said, ''Defending champion K C Ramu, Bimal Mahato and Balaram Das are among the few established runners in the men's category. The woman's group will be represented by Rina Das.'' Heaping praise on Mahato and Das, he said, ''Both are very talented athletes and I hope Rina will head for Bangkok as she is the favourite to win this leg.'' ''This is the third edition and has been won once each by Yadav and Mahato,'' Mehta added.

While the distance for the men's marathon would be 42.195 kms, for the women it would be 10.5 kms.

There is also a fun run for the people in general for four kms.

Atheletic Coaches Association of Bengal secretary Sapan Sarkar said, ''We have taken all safety measure. At the same time our volunteers will see if anyone was using unfair means to win the marathon.'' The police have been informed about the route for the marathon that starts from Red Road and circles around Kolkata before culminating there.

The organisers are expecting over 500 participants for the marathon. The race will have its share of star cast, like the Bombay Marathon. Sourav Ganguly, hockey olympian Gurbax Singh, Test cricketer Devang Gandhi and several Tollywood stars are expected to take part in the rally.

UNI