Chd's global run: First international marathon flagged off

Chandigarh: In significant milestone in the city's sports calendar, the UT sports department organised the first Chandigarh International Marathon 2026 on Sunday. Nearly 3,500 runners from India and abroad participated in the event, making it one of the largest competitive running events held in the City Beautiful.Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, along with his wife, Anita Kataria, flagged off the marathon from Chandigarh Club in Sector 1. They also participated in the 5km run. Officials said the inaugural edition of the event aimed at promoting fitness, unity, and a healthy lifestyle.
The marathon featured four race categories — 42 km (full marathon), 21 km (half marathon), 10km, and 5km. There were 323 runners in the 42km category, 740 in the 21km category, 1,270 in the 10km run, and 1,168 in the 5km run. A total of 38 international athletes from eight countries participated in the event, along with 21 specially abled participants.At the prize distribution ceremony, the Administrator appreciated the efforts of the sports department and stakeholders. He emphasised the importance of sports in fostering discipline, fitness, and a sense of community.In the full marathon (women), the top three spots were secured by Meskerem Tesfaye Fikadu of Ethiopia, Ruth Chelangat Wakabu of Kenya, and Rita Jelagat of Kenya. In the men's category, Olbana Negasa Yadate of Ethiopia finished first, followed by Aggrey Kiprotich Rono of Kenya and Sylas Chebii of Ethiopia.In the half marathon (women), Ethiopia's Tsehay Desalegn took first place, followed by Kenya's Iveen Chepkemoi and India's Munni Devi. In the men's category, India's Harmanjot Singh, an Asian Cross Country Championship silver medallist from Tarn Taran, secured first place, while Panchanan Bera of Kenya and Kemboi Kevin Kiprono of Kenya stood second and third.In the 10km run, India's Soniya topped the women's category, followed by Senayit Ayele of Kenya and Anjali of India. Among men, Sahil Kapoor, Gaurav Kasana, and Sawan—all from India—clinched the top three positions.Box: Prize Money StructureFull Marathon (42 km) – Overall (Men & Women)1st — Rs 7,00,0002nd — Rs 5,00,0003rd — Rs 3,00,000Half Marathon (21 km) – Overall (Men & Women)1st — Rs 4,00,0002nd — Rs 3,00,0003rd — Rs 1,50,00010km Run – Overall (Men & Women)1st — Rs 2,00,0002nd — Rs 1,50,0003rd — Rs 1,00,000Their indomitable spirit won hearts Among the champions who won hearts were a newly-married couple from the Chandigarh Spinal Rehab Centre, who showed that they were not bound by the wheelchair, rather liberated by it. Kumaresan, a javelin throw player, and Vivekha, a club throw athlete, recently tied the knot and participated in the marathon on wheelchairs. For Vivekha, it was her first-ever marathon. She was encouraged by her husband, Kumaresan, who has been participating in such events for nearly a decade. The couple were among 10 participants from the Chandigarh Spinal Rehab Centre who competed in wheelchairs, drawing loud cheers and admiration.An inspiration for manyChandigarh: Five years after undergoing open heart surgery, Kiran Kurwade, ran in the Chandigarh International Marathon, proving that age and health setbacks need not deter a fitness enthusiast. Kurwade, who works as director, strategic initiatives at a private university and is also a motivational speaker, underwent surgery in 2021, after doctors found one artery 80% blocked and another 30% blocked. Instead of giving up, he adopted a disciplined lifestyle focused on yoga, meditation and regular training. This was his second marathon after surgery; the first came just a few months after the procedure.With inputs from Manish Choure and Sukhmani Kooner MSID:: 128918776 413 |