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Running has taken the country by storm in the past few years. A running cultured has evolved amongst the young and old in India. But running has not remained as just a mere passion. Several high profile marathons are organised throughout the country, all round the year. With runners participating in thousands, the organisers have done an incredible job in hosting marathons with a professional outlook.Here are the five best marathons in the country:
#5 Pune International Marathon
The Pune International Marathon is held annually, usually in the last month of the year. The marathon’s 29th edition was held in 2014, attracting various international and national runners.
The Pune International Marathon has four categories: Full marathon, half marathon, 10k and charity run. The marathon has raised huge funds for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention in the city and other charitable causes. One of the most anticipated running events in the country, the marathon takes the runners throughout the city.
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#4 Airtel Hyderabad Marathon
Hyderabad is quickly becoming one of the running hubs of India. The Airtel Hyderabad Marathon is the feature event of the city and is one of the most challenging races due to the hill-terrain of the city.
The event offers three categories: Full marathon, half marathon and 5k. Organised by a group of runners, the marathon is carefully planned to cater to every need of the runners’ community. The Airtel Hyderabad Marathon is a very popular race amongst runners in India.
#3 Chennai Trail Marathon
The Chennai Trail Marathon is one the most fascinating marathons in India. With the entire race taking place on a trail instead of the usual hard surface, the marathon offers various challenges.
Organised by the Chennai Trekking Club, the marathon has three categories: Half marathon, full marathon and 50k. With the route based around a scenic lake, forest and canyons, the marathon is one of the most beautiful races in India.
#2 Airtel Delhi Half Marathon
The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon is the second biggest running event in Delhi. Despite being only half the distance of a full marathon, the event attracts huge masses to participate.
32,500 runners took part in the 2014 marathon. The event has four categories: the half marathon, the 7 km Great Delhi Run, a 4.3 km run for senior citizens, and a 3.5 km wheelchair race.
The race offered a total prize money of $262,167, with the winners taking around $4,000 each. Several sports stars and Bollywood personalities attend the event every year.
#1 Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon
The biggest running event in Asia takes place in Mumbai on the third Sunday of every New Year. The Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon is Asia’s largest marathon in terms of magnitude and participation.
With $350,000 offered as prize money, the event is also the richest marathon in India. The marathon has six different categories: Full marathon (26.218 miles (42.194 km)), half marathon (21.097 km), Dream Run (6 km), Senior Citizens Race (4.3 km), Champions with Disability category (2.4 km) and DHL Corporate Champions (42.195 km, 4-person relay).
Several Bollywood celeberities, business tycoons and sports stars take part in the event, making it one memorable occasion for everyone involved.
