Chandigarh, February 28:

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh today released a poster and a T-shirt to commemorate the first edition of Muktsar Marathon 2018 – a mega running event scheduled to be flagged off on March 18 by the legendary athlete, Flying Sikh Milkha Singh.

The Chief Minister released the mementos in the presence of Sri Muktsar Sahib DC Sumeet Jarangal and SSP Sushil Kumar, as a prelude to the grand event, which will redefine marathon running in the region.

Organised as per international guidelines by the District Olympic Association, Sri Muktsar Sahib, the marathon would commence at 7.00 AM on March 18 from New Grain Market, Gidderbaha, before making its way towards the lush green countryside covering about four villages adjoining the town, and then back to the venue.

Muktsar Deputy Commissioner said the event would open the doors to both national and international athletes for participation, besides forging a strategic partnership with the District Administrations of Sri Muktsar Sahib.

The event would be played out in three categories – 21km Half Marathon, 10km as the competitive races, and 5km as a health/fun run. There will be cash prizes worth Rs. 13 lakhs. A live performance by the iconic Punjabi singer Gurdas Mann would be the star attraction of the event.

The memento launch was attended, among others, by Media Advisor to CM Raveen Thukral, Additional Chief Secretary Home NS Kalsi and DGP Suresh Arora.