Run Kolkata Run

The completion of four years of The Kolkata Marathon, celebrating the spirit of the city, is a statement that the event has defied all odds and exceeded all expectations. Be it the number of registered participants, the quality of the elite athlete field, the winning times, the growth and improvement curve has been significant.
Keeping with the same commitment, Bharti Airtel Limited, India's leading mobile service provider, once again is proud to present the "Airtel Kolkata Marathon" on February 22, 2009.
If at all one thing remained steady over the five years, it has been the rock solid commitment of the promoters, sponsors and partners to the event to intensify the marathon experience of each individual every year. We would like to acknowledge SAIL, Confederation of India Industries (CII), who are joint sponsors for this event, Highlife Management as the event managers for organizing the marathon and express our sincere thanks to Athletic Coaches Association of Bengal (ACAB) and Athletic Federation of India (AFI), for their technical assistance. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Selvel for being our outdoor partner for this event.
Registrations for Kolkata's foremost sports and social event has already started and will remain open till February 22, 2009. Participants can contact the Kolkata Marathon office* or any Airtel Relationship Centers to register for the Airtel Kolkata Marathon. The Registration fees for the Main Marathon is Rs. 100, the Women's Marathon is Rs. 50 and the Fun Run is Rs. 30.
*Kolkata Marathon office: Calcutta Kennel Club, Maidan Tent, Mayo Road, Kolkata: 700016 Phone: 6510 3372, 2231 3338 (between 4pm to 7pm)
The race categories for the Airtel Kolkata Marathon 2009 would be as follows: Main Marathon (42.2km); Women's Marathon (10.5km) and the Fun Run (4.2km).
Mr. Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Steel, Mr. Gautam Mohan Chakraborty Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, Mr. Ajai Puri, CEO, Bharti Airtel limited, Mr. Sandipan Chakraborty, Chairman CII Eastern Region, Mr. Shoeb Ahmed, Director Commercial, (SAIL) and Mr. Noomi Mehta, Chairman, Selvel One Group would be flagging off the groups for the Airtel Kolkata Marathon from Red Road starting 7 am onwards.
"This is the fifth year of the Kolkata Marathon. Last year Kolkata Marathon witnessed more than 20,000 participants and this year we expect more people to take part in this run for the city. Apart from the mentioned marathon categories, this year we are introducing a Celebrity Run as a part of Airtel Kolkata Marathon so as to add a fun element to this sporting spectacle," said Prochy Mehta, a veteran athlete and secretary of Kolkata Marathon.
Speaking on this event, Ajai Puri, CEO, Bharti Airtel Ltd. Kolkata and West Bengal Telecom Circles said "It gives me immense satisfaction to dedicate Airtel Kolkata
Marathon 2009 to the theme 'Remember the joy of running'. Marathon is one of the most popular events and a true representation of the spirit of the city, upholding the essence of bonding among the residents for a common cause. This is the fourth year of Airtel's association with Kolkata Marathon and our aim is to salute and celebrate the spirit of this city and the dreams we share. It also symbolizes Airtel's growing presence in Kolkata and its expansion across the state as the fastest growing network with enhanced value to customers."
Already the most attractive sporting prize, the Airtel Kolkata Marathon 2009 will now offer an enhanced prize purse of Rs 11 lacs. The increase in prize money is in keeping with the stature and popularity of the event, tagged as the highest prize money offered to Indian marathon runners. The winner of the of the Main Marathon category is to be awarded a prize money of Rs. 3.20 lacs and the winner of the Women's Marathon category is to be awarded a prize money of Rs. 1.10 lacs.
To add to the celebratory spirit, Bangla Band 'Bhoomi' will perform at the venue to egg on participants to excel in this sports. There would also be a celebrity run featuring eminent personalities from the field of sports and entertainment pledging their solidarity with the cause. All registered participants of the Airtel Kolkata Marathon will receive a T-shirt, cap courtesy of Bharti Airtel and refreshments courtesy of Kinley and Sunfeast Biscuits at the venue.