Puri, Jan 23: Despite a cold and foggy morning, great cheer prevailed on a road near the sea beach here as over 4,000 people, including a large number of students and foreigners participated in the first edition of ‘Puri Mini Marathon’ held in the Pilgrim City on Thursday, on the occasion of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti.

Dressed in beautiful jerseys, running shoes and carrying a positive attitude, professional runners, amateurs, school students and senior citizens crossed the finish line with great pride and spirit.The theme for this year’s event was ‘Disaster Resilient Heritage.’

Odisha Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Tusharkanti Behera flagged off the marathon that began from the District Sports Complex at Talabania covering around 8-km route culminated near the Beach Hotel Asiana Lagoon.

The race began at 7.30 am and the runners ran through the stretch touching District Sports Complex at Talabania, Helipad Square, Shree Jagannath Stadium, Penthakata Square, Youth Hostel, Subash Bose Square, Sea Beach Police Station, Digabareni Square, Chaitanya Square, and Light House on their way.

A total prize money of Rs 1.90 lakh was distributed to the winners in all three categories (for both genders). Out of the total Rs 1.90 lakh, the NDRF provided half of the prize money to the District Administration.

The first prize carries cash reward of Rs 30,000, second prize Rs 20, 000, third prize Rs 10, 000, a trophy and certificate.While the first, second and third prizes were given to three persons, each for male and female category, seven consolation awards were given to seven participants of each Rs 5, 000.