Chief Secretary Leela Mani Paudel this morning inaugurated the fifth edition of ‘Hero Kantipur Half Marathon’. The marathon will begin near the Kantipur complex at Tinkune en route to Koteshwor, Sallaghari, Surya Binayak, Jagati and end back to the starting point.

More than two thousand participants have registered in three different categories for the event: half marathon, 3km wheel chair race and 5km corporate-media run. In all, 1,400 men and 250 women have registered their names to compete in the 21.1km half marathon this year. Additionally, 500 have registered for Corporate-Media race and 30 others for the wheelchair race.

The half marathon winners in both men’s and women’s categories will take home Rs 50,000 each, while runners-up will receive Rs 30,000 each. Athletes finishing third in half marathon will receive Rs 20,000 each. Top six runners are assured of cash prizes.

Top three winners in both Corporate-Media and Wheel Chair races will get Rs 10,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 each. Kantipur Publications will also hand over Rs 25,000 to athlete who sets a new course record in the half marathon.