IG BSF Jammu Frontier, told a press conference here today that Director General (DG) BSF, will flag off the marathon in four race categories -- 42 km, 21 km and 10 km -- besides the 5 km \u2018run for fun\u2019 which is open to all.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He said Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty and J&K\u2019s acclaimed para-archer Rakesh Kumar are also participating in the opening and closing ceremonies of the event, which carries a cash prize of Rs 1.50 lakh for the full marathon, Rs 75,000 for the half-marathon and Rs 50,000 for the 10-km run.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Six foreigners have also registered themselves for the marathon, which will be a regular annual event to be organised by the Jammu BSF frontier henceforth, the IG said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In addition to the marathon, IG BSF said the DG will also flag off a strong contingent of 60 motorcycle-borne personnel of the force who will reach the Bhuj area of Gujarat on November 19 to participate in the main raising day celebrations of the force two days later.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBSF was raised in 1965 and is celebrating its 60th raising day this year in Gujarat on November 21. Our contingent of motorcyclists, after covering various areas along the Indo-Pakistan border in J&K, Punjab and Rajasthan, will reach Gujarat on November 19. They will participate in the raising day celebrations there,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He highlighted that the marathon promotes fitness, unity and national pride, in line with the \u2018Fit India\u2019 and \u2018Khelo India\u2019 initiatives, and aimed at fostering stronger bonds between border communities and the nation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBSF was raised in 1965 and is celebrating its 60th raising day this year in Gujarat on November 21. Our contingent of motorcyclists, after covering various areas along the Indo-Pakistan border in J&K, Punjab and Rajasthan, will reach Gujarat on November 19. They will participate in the raising day celebrations there,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe have over 6000 people from across the country participating in the marathon. Six among them are foreigners, and the number could be more as we are still getting the queries from outside the country,\u201d IG BSF added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n