Over 25,000 to take part in Chennai Marathon

: The seventh edition of the Chennai Marathon to be held here on January 6, 2019 is likely to see over 25,000 runners take part, the organisers said Tuesday.

India cricketer Dinesh Karthik unveiled the official jersey for the event here in the presence of the race director V P Senthil Kumar and others.

The marathon will see over 25,000 participants and offers a total prize money of Rs 25 lakh, Senthil Kumar said.

This year, the Chennai Marathon will be supporting a cause, with the theme being "Access to Sports for Para Athletes" aimed at developing training facilities for para athletes, identify potential para athletes and supporting them.

The event, a brainchild of Chennai Runners, a non-profit group promoting running in the city, will comprise four events for men and women-Full Marathon, Perfect 20 Miler (32.186 Km) - a new race category which the organisers claimed was the first ever in a major marathon event, half marathon (21.097 Km) and a 10 km run.

Wishing all the participants good luck, Karthik said he was happy to be associated with the event.

The marathon is sponsored by Skechers Performance, makers of performance and lifestyle footwear.