The ninth edition of the Kolkata Marathon has been scheduled for March 6, the organisers announced on Wednesday.
IDBI Federal Life Insurance will be the new title sponsor for the event which has roped in tennis ace Leander Paes as its brand ambassador.
The marathon will have five race categories, Full Marathon (42.195 Km), Half Marathon (21.097 Km), Open and Corporate Challenge (10 Km) and the Fun Run (5 Km).
This annual event is among the few full marathons in India and has grown from 6,000 participants in its debut 9 years ago, to 15,000 participants in 2015. This is also an official qualifier for the Rio Olympics.
Entry fee for the Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K Open is Rs.550 each, the Fun Run is Rs.300 and the Corporate Run (for a six-member team) is Rs.3,500. The marathon will be flagged off from Red Road, in front of the Ranger's Club.
Indian tennis great Leander Paes, who was present on the occasion, said: "The moment they approached me for the event, I said, yes. Kolkata has a special place in my heart as I have spent many formative years of my life here. To see the event grow from the first edition to the ninth edition, in terms of participation and even awareness in the city has been an interesting journey. It is also special because the route takes you through the historic Park Street, Maidan and the Victoria area. And for running you need only good shoes so I urge people to come out in great numbers."