The date of first International Chandigarh Marathon has been postponed to February 2018 due to cold weather.
The mega marathon which was earlier scheduled to be held on December 10, will now be organised on February 11 next year. The event will be organised by ‘Sports 13’ in Association with Chandigarh Administration, Athletic Federation of India and Chandigarh Athletic Association.
“We have taken this decision looking at the cold conditions that are prevailing in December which will affect the turnout, particularly of children, in the event. February will be pleasant weather-wise. Another reason is that some national and international level marathoners would not be available on this date,” said Yadvinder Singh, former National Athlete and Director ‘Sports-13’.
The venue of the marathon, Capitol Complex will remain unchanged. An expo will be held on February 7 and 8 in which kit distribution for local participants will take place and another expo on February 9 will provide for kit distribution for outsiders. The timings of expo will be from 10 am till 8 pm at leisure Valley, Sector 10 here.
Singh said that there will be separate categories for Indian and International men and women, besides the veteran male and female categories for 40 plus and 60 plus age groups and few other groups in the marathon.
Also, there will be a special run for school children – school cool run – 3 km with a theme of 'A campaign against child assault and a special run for females – Femithon – 5 km, with a theme of 'Women let’s stand up for our rights'.
A Divyang wheelchair run will also be held and entry will be free for same. The route measurement shall be certified by AIIMS, he added.