Participants compete in the marathon on Bailey Road on Sunday. Picture by Jai Prakash

Patna, Oct. 2: To spread awareness on environment conservation and centenary celebrations of the state, Rotary Patna organised a marathon in the capital today.

More than 200 people from all age groups, including children, youths and senior citizens, participated in the marathon that started from Kargil Chowk near Gandhi Maidan. State health minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey flagged off the marathon at 7am.

Speaking on the occasion, the secretary of Rotary Patna, Kamal Kishor Verma, appealed to the citizens to avoid using plastic bags.

“Plastic bags are the biggest threat to environment at present and people should try not to use these at all. Rather, everyone should promote the use of cloth and jute bags. Such bags not only conserve environment but also generate employment for those who manufacture them. The marathon was also organised to promote the centenary celebrations of Bihar,” Verma said.

After the flag-off from Kargil Chowk, the marathon reached Dakbungalow Chowk and took to Bailey Road. After covering 6km from Kargil Chowk, the participants reached the finishing point — gate number 1 of Patna zoo.

Shashi Kumar from Nawada finished first timing it at 17 minutes and 20 seconds. Jitendra Kumar from Buxar finished the marathon in 17 minutes and 27 seconds. The run-for-a-cause also saw participation from a few differently abled contestants.