3,500 runners take part in first Chandigarh International Marathon

Ethiopia’s Olbana Negasa Yadate and Meskerem Tesfaye Fikadu clinched the men’s and women’s full marathon titles as around 3,500 runners participated in the Chandigarh International Marathon held here on Sunday.

In the 42-km full marathon, Yadate and Fikadu produced commanding performances to top their respective categories. The event, organised by the Chandigarh administration, witnessed enthusiastic participation across four competitive categories: 42 km, 21 km, 10 km and 5 km.

In the half marathon (21 km), Harmanjot Singh of India secured the men’s title, while Ethiopia’s Tsehay Desalegn emerged victorious in the women’s section.

According to organisers, 323 runners competed in the 42-km race, 740 in the 21-km category, 1,270 in the 10-km event and 1,168 participants took part in the 5-km run. The marathon also featured 38 international participants from eight countries and 21 specially-abled runners.

Punjab Governor and UT Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, accompanied by his wife Anita Kataria, flagged off the marathon and also participated in the 5-km run.

Among those present were Member of Rajya Sabha Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of the Administrator’s Sports Advisory Council Sanjay Tandon, Home Secretary Mandip Singh Brar, Director General of Police Sagar Preet Hooda, Sports Secretary Prerna Puri, Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav and other dignitaries.

The annual event once again drew a strong turnout, blending competitive spirit with community participation in the city.