By IANS,
New Delhi: The annual Salwan cross-country marathon has grown into a major race for sheer entries. The 16th edition has attracted 45,000 young runners from all over the country and it will be held at the Delhi Cantonment here on Children’s Day, Nov 14.
A record 1300 entries were received in the section for the visually impaired, mainly from Vadodra, Kolkata, Kochi, Chandigarh and National Capital Region — a significant rise from last year’s 700. Of these, around 150 are from Shivpuri near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. Each runner in this special race will be accompanied by a volunteer during their 3km race.
Besides, there will be students from all over the capital in the U-14, 16, 18 categories. The u-16 boys and girls will run 5 km, u-18 will cover 8 km. The under-14 boys and girls will run 3 km.
Like last year, the Army Sports Control Board will extend its support to ensure a safe run through the forest area at the Army Equestrian Centre, Brar Square, deputing its marshals to supervise the races.
The event has seen record participation in the last few years, 46,000 being the highest in 2007.
There are exciting prizes, too. The winner in all categories will take home Rs 10,000 with first and second runners-up getting Rs 5,000 and Rs 2,500 plus gift hampers.
There are also 100 consolation prizes in each category.