File picture of the Manipur Mega Marathon 2009 in Imphal. Picture by Eastern Projections

Imphal, Feb. 17: Nearly 300 runners are expected to participate in the 4th Manipur Mega Marathon, scheduled for Sunday. The run will begin from the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.

The marathon event, organised by the United People Front, under the aegis of Athletic Association of Manipur, will feature the Men and Women’s Open.

UPF president Y.K. Dhiren told reporters that the main idea behind the marathon is to develop a healthy and strong nation.

He added that there had been slight changes made this time as the organisers had decided to drop the “veteran” category because of some technical difficulty and had fully concentrated on the men’s and women’s categories only.

The prize money remains the same with the winner in both categories receiving Rs 30,000 while the runners-up will get Rs 20,000 and those securing the third position will be given Rs 15,000.

Runners from fourth to tenth positions will be given Rs 2,000 each and all the participants will be provided certificates, Dhiren added.

He further said there has also been changes made in the route because of road repair work and ongoing sewerage construction in Imphal East and Imphal West.

The number of checkpoints has been increased to seven from the earlier six. Dhiren also sought the co-operation of the public to encourage the runners along the route.