In an effort to generate awareness for the cause of women's empowerment, the 28th Pune International Marathon will be held with a theme of 'Run for Mother', here on December 1.
Olympian and Asian steeplechase champion Sudha Singh, Asian long distance silver-medallist Kavita Raut along with other notable athletes will officially register for the meet by paying a tribute to Bharat Ratna Maharshi Karve on September 4. "Karve originally started his campaign for women's empowerment by educating the girl child way back in 1886 from a small hut that has now become a famous school.
"It will be a fitting tribute to his contribution for the women empowerment when our athletes, dressed in traditional Maharashtrian saree, will register online at the same hut on Wednesday," Pune International Marathon organising secretary Pralhad Sawant said while giving out the details. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) president Adille Sumariwala will be present at the function to accept the entries and formally open the registration process.
Prominent athletes Swati Gadve, Puja Varhade, Manisha Salunke, Ilam Singh, Binny Singh among others will be present on the occasion. Carrying a total prize purse of Rs 50 lakh, the Pune International Marathon will have six categories -- men's full marathon, men's and women's half marathon, 10km men's and women's run and the 'Run for Mother' over six kilometres.
Organising committee chairman Atul Chordia said Pune Marathon is one of the oldest international marathons of the country featuring top athletes from all over the world."This time also we expect a good field," he added. The registration process will start from September 5 and continue till October 15.