Cochin International Half Marathon scheduled for December 29

India’s top distance runners and over 20 foreign athletes will line up in Kochi for the inaugural Cochin International Half Marathon on December 29.

The online registrations opened on November 17 and in-person registrations can be done from November 20 onwards.

“The aim is to give a brand to Kochi,” said Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany.

Legendary Indian athlete Milkha Singh, PT Usha and Malayalam actor Mohanlal have been roped in as the brand ambassadors for the event. The registrations will close on December 22.

Speaking on the occasion, Milkha Singh said that other states should take a leaf out of Kerala’s book as the state had consistently produced top class athletes such as PT Usha and Shiny Wilson.

The event is expected to receive a huge response from local Keralites who will have the chance to run alongside some of the world’s and the country’s most renowned long distance runners.

The Association of International Marathons and Distance Races have certified the Half Marathon while the Athletic Federation of India (AFI) has also given its backing for the event. There is a total prize money Rs 60 lakh on offer at the event.

The male and female winners will each get USD 5,000 while the runners-up will pocket USD 3000.

There is also a separate category for Indian athletes where the fastest man and woman will each get Rs 2 lakh and the runners-up Rs 1.5 lakh each.