The 6th edition of the Airtel Kolkata Marathon will be run on Feb 21st, 2010. This news was announced today by the organizing secretary Prochy Mehta in Kolkata. About 20,000 runners are expected to participate in this event. The race is also being considered a qualifying run for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Events
- Men’s Marathon (42K)
- Ladies Run (10.5K)
- Celebration Run (4.2K)
- Wheelchair Run
This run remains one of those weird races in India which differentiates between men and women runners, creating a false impression that maybe women runners are not capable of running the 42K, or even the half marathon! What about the women runners who want to run the marathon, they are not even allowed by definition of the events. A sad state of affairs.
Prize Money
A total of Rs 11 lakhs will be awarded as prize money. The winner of the men’s marathon will receive Rs 3.20 lakh, while winner of the women’s half marathon will be awarded Rs Rs 1.10 lakh.
Event Website and Registrations
Details on registrations are not yet available. The event website http://kolkatamarathon.com/ is still showing details of the 2009 race, so it may take some time to be set up for the 2010 event, though registrations for the event have already started and will remain open till February 18.
Entry to Commonwealth Games
The Kolkata marathon has been designated as a qualifying race for the 2010 Commonwealth games to be held in New Delhi in October. Hence this race assumes additional importance for the elite Indian runners aspiring to qualify for this premier event in India. Some of the elites expected to participate are – Bhairon Singh Lone (Railways), Bening Lyong of Meghalaya (Services), Narender Kumar (Services) and Angad Kumar (Services).
Run Infinity Recommendation
The run is probably the largest marathon of eastern India, where running has not really picked up like the rest of India. So, it is motivating to see at least one event which continues to keep the flag flying. However, do not expect a well managed race, or great traffic control. Running the full marathon would probably remain a challenge for almost all except the elites.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
respected sir,
will you please tell me that from where can i registered my name for kolkata marathon.
thank you.
Dear Sir. The Organizing Committee of Kolkata Marathon.
First of all I want to Introduce my self I am Coach Beyene of Ethiopia I am Elite Athletes Coach and Manager. At the Moment I have the Below Listed athletes.
I have great interet to send them for your Marathon.
I want to pay their Flight thicket from Ethiopioa to India and Back so Can you please offer for the Below athletes your Official Invitation Paper of Elite Athletes and Accommodation for two Nights?
The List of the athletes are mantioned below
1,ZEYTUNA ARBA MUDE 19NOV83 PASSPORT NO EP 0997035
2,GENET TEKA KAHSAY 24JUL80 Passport No EP0405699
3, TURA KUMBI BECHERE 11SEP79 Passport No EP0972573
4, GEBREGZIABHER G/SLASIE ABRHA 21OCT76 Passport No EP0294157
5,BERIHUN WOLDSLASSIE GEBREMEDGIN
Hoping to hearing from you soonest Reply
Kind Regards
Coach Beyene
Athletes Coach and Manager