Get set and run

HYDERABAD: Organised by the State bank of Hyderabad and Sports 18 channel, the ninth edition of the run will be chaired by D Suresh Babu. Speaking at an event organised to announce the run, Suresh said, “The run is an opportunity for everyone to come together, ignoring political and religious boundaries. It also brings about an awareness on so many different levels.” He further enunciated on the rising health hazards urbanised citizens face and the importance of promoting a physical activity like running.The Hyderabad 10K run has the distinction of being the first marathon run to be initiated in the country, following which other cities like Delhi, Chandigharh, Chennai and Bengaluru have also conducted similar marathons. “The Hyderabad marathon is also an internationally accredited event. We conform to the regulations that have been set down by the international standards. So the general public will also be competing against international athletes too,” Dr Ramesh Babu, the pioneer of the Hyderabad 10 K run explained.Registrations have opened for those interested. Priced at `200 and `500 the registration amount depends on whether the participant wants to use a Radio frequency identification chip (RFID). The chip will register the athletes performance from the start to end. Prize money worth `12 lakhs in total will be distributed among the top 10 spots for both men and women. First prize winners will be awarded `2.5 lakhs while the second place receives `1.5 lakh. Last date for registration is November 20. however, an expo will be conducted two days prior to the event, i.e., November 25 and 26 where spot registrations will be accepted.