Thousands participate in marathon to promote adventure sports,

Thousands of people participated in a half-marathon in Chhattisgarh capital Raipur on Sunday with an aim of promoting adventure sports and tourism across the state.

The half-marathon was jointly flagged off by Minister of State for Youth and Sports Vijay Goel, legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh and Chief Minister Raman Singh.

?This (marathon) has been organised here for the athletes and common people. Marathons have been very popular in our country. As many as 15,000 participants are taking part in the marathon this time and I can definitely say that 50,000 people will take part in it next time,? said Goel.

Participants, from all walks of life, took part in 13 separtate categories of events, which included the Great Raipur Half Marathon, the 10 kilometer Raipur Run and the 5 kilometer Raipur Run.

The half-marathon carried a total prize money of Rs.3 million (USD 44,896) and included a special ?Divyang? (physically challenged) category.

The marathon also featured 22 international marathoners from countries, including England, Switzerland and Kenya.

Indian wrestler and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Geeta Phogat, was also present at the event.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)