'The Great India Run' marathon flagged off at India Gate

India's first multi-city marathon 'The Great India Run' was flagged off by Sports Minister Vijay Goel, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju and former World Championship bronze medallist Anju Bobby George at the India Gate here today.

According to reports, the 1480 kilometres long ultra-marathon will feature 15 of the best ultra marathoners from Asia, Africa, US and Europe in its inaugural edition.

Rijiju said that sports and events like this play a great deal in uniting counties from all over the world.

"It is a very good thing as we can promote our country through sports. In sporting event countries from all over the world gets united. Sports play a great deal in contributing to unite counties. It is a very nice event. And this time in Rio Olympics, I think there is a good hope that athletes will get more medals for the country," he added.

The 'Great India Run', which is being organised just ahead of the Rio Olympics, is an attempt at inspiring the people of the country to get fit.

To inspire people to take up running as a regular activity in life, the run will also see a five kilometre 'Fun Run' at every pit stop (Ghaziabad, Delhi, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Silvassa and Mumbai) for beginners.

The marathon also has celebrity athletes like Gul Panag and 'ironman' Milind Soman, who will run a special stretch of 570 kms from Ahmedabad to Mumbai via Silvassa.