More than 2000 take part in Mega Marathon

IMPHAL, February 17: The 7th Mega Marathon Manipur 2013 organized by United People’s Front UPF, Manipur under the aegis of the Athletic Association of Manipur took place today.

The marathon with the theme 'Run for your Nation, Run the mega marathon’ was participated by more than 2000 people including many athletes from other states of India like Nagaland, Karnataka and Assam.

The 21 km long half marathon was flagged off from the Khuman Lampak Stadium and finished at the main stadium of Khuman Lampak sports complex.
The marathon was flagged off by the Dy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.

The Mega marathon organised by UPF was first conducted in the year 2007. Since then it is being continued every year to promote youth of the state.

In the prize distribution at the Khuman Lampak Main stadium, Minister Education CAF &PD M Okendro, President UPF Manipur BM Yaima Shah and President Athletic Association of Manipur Leishangthem Ajit was present as the Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.

Organizing Secy UPF Manipur Kh Suranjoy in his key note address said that out of a 25 lakh population in Manipur, around 30,000 of population are living with HIV/AIDS and added that in order to  safe guard the future young generation of the state, UPF had organized the mega marathon event.

Chief Guest M Okendro said that sports builds unity and development of the nation. He lauded UPF for organizing the mega event in the state.

He also expressed his hope  that the half marathon will be upgraded to a full marathon.

Th Sanjit Luwang of Yairipok, Md Abid Ahamad of Lilong and Pache Khiamniugnam of Nagaland stood first second and third. The best three runners from women category were L Premila Devi of Yairipok, Miss Wahida of Lilong and M Minarashi of Yairipok who secured the first, second and third places in the mega marathon 2013.

The Proprietor of Modern Furniture of MU Gate, Thongbam Surjakanta Meitei awarded an additional Rs 5000 each to the best three runners of both categories.