Puneites run in marathon to spread AIDS awareness

Thousands of people participated in the 22nd edition of the Pune International Marathon (PIM), called the Race against AIDS, here today.

Pune, Dec 2 : Thousands of people participated in the 22nd edition of the Pune International Marathon (PIM), called the "Race against AIDS", here today.

Bollywood actor Salman Khan flagged off the marathon from Khandoji Baba Chowk, Deccan Gymkhana. The marathon concluded at the Nehru Stadium.

People from different walks of life, including corporate executives, school children and handicapped persons, participated in the mega event.

Suresh Kalmadi, the Member of Parliament and the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Asian Athletic Association (AAA), was among those present to cheer the 30,000 participants.

The cricketing quotient was kept high by former India captain Sunil Gavaskar.

Bollywood actress Aarti Chabbaria, Vidya Malvade and Sagarika Ghatge were also among the celebrities that graced the occasion.

The "Chak De India" girl, Vidya Malvade, said: "I'm feeling very happy and it's a very special event since it is supporting the cause of AIDS."

Clocking two hours 17 minutes and 25 seconds, Philip Makau Muia of Kenya won the marathon.

"This is my first visit to India. I run a small business of clothes," said Muia after the race.

Muia won Rs.300,000, while Roman Gessesp from Ethopia won the women's half marathon and walked away with Rs. 150,000.

The PIM is one of the most significant sporting events in the country. The Pune International Marathon Trust (PIMT), under the guidance of the Athletic Federation of India (AFI), organises this event every year.

ANI