Kenyan man, Maharashtra woman win Patna half marathon

PATNA: People from all walks of life and age groups participated with great zeal and enthusiasm in the 'Patna half marathon', organised as part of the 'Nasha Mukt Samaj Abhiyan' by the state prohibition and excise department here at Gandhi Maidan on Sunday. The event witnessed huge participation of 9,000 runners to spread the message of de-addiction.
Chief guests of the event were legendary Indian athlete Anju Bobby George and Arjuna awardee Hima Das who flagged off the half-marathon that started from Gandhi Maidan Gate number 1 at 4am.
Koech David Kimutai from Kenya covered a distance of 21.1km in one hour and five minutes, while Prajakta Godbole from Maharashtra in one hour and 14 minutes to emerge as winners in men's and women's category, respectively. The half marathon was conducted in three main distance categories of 21.1km, 10km and 5km for various age groups in men and women's categories.
Hari Singh from Uttar Pradesh and Sandeep from Haryana stood second and third, respectively, for covering 21.1km in the marathon in men's category, while Richa Bhadauriya from Allahabad and Ujala from Rampur (Uttar Pradesh), secured second and third position, respectively in women's category.
Prashat P from UP, who finished the race in 30 minutes, emerged as winner of 10km in men's category. Similarly, Dimple Singh from Lucknow won in women's category while Sonam from Delhi and Mamta Pal stood second and third, respectively.
In men's category (10km), Naresh Kumar and Kevin Kiplagat Kosgei from Kenya secured second and third spots, respectively.
In men's 5km marathon, Hritik Balyan from Delhi, Anand Prakash from Bihar and Abhishek Paswan from Lucknow stood first, second and third, respectively.
Sandhya Yadava, Shivani Kumari from Sheikhpura and Rupa Kumari got first, second and third positions, respectively in women's category for 5km race.
During the event, prohibition and excise minister Sunil Kumar and art, culture and youth affairs minister Jitendra Rai were also present. Cash prizes were given to the winners of the marathon.