Arrangements for Lahore Marathon 2007 finalised

All the arrangements for Lahore Marathon, heralding the 'Visit Pakistan Year 2007' have been finalised. 50 elite athletes of around 15 countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, United Kingdom, Namibia, Russia, Ukraine, Sweden and India, reached Lahore on Friday, to take part in the mixed marathon being held on Sunday (January 14).
In view of threats of a few religious outfits including Shabab-e-Milli, Jamiat Ulma-e-Islam (JUI), Jamiat Ulma-e-Pakistan (JUP), foolproof security arrangements have been made for the marathon and no one would be allowed to create any hindrance. The entry on routes of the race will be strictly prohibited and traffic police has adopted foolproof arrangements for the race. Different agencies including City District government, Parks and Horticulture Authority, Environmental Protection Department, Health Department have adopted necessary arrangements for beautification of the City and extending facilities to the participants of the race.
'For the last few months, the organising committee of the race has been holding series of meetings with different departments, to identify and confirm areas of responsibility and administration including security, which will be of prime importance', said Ghouse Akbar, chairman of 3rd International Marathon (Lahore Marathon 2007). Ian Ladbrooke, the race Director and other officials' as well as foreign athletes were also present on the occasion. According to the organisers of Lahore Marathon, around 30,000-35,000 runners will participate in the 3rd International Lahore Marathon.
Lahore Marathon 2007 would set off a hectic yearlong programme of marathon races around the world said Ian Ladbrooke, the Race Director. He said the race has already been recognised by Association of International Marathons and Road Races (AIMS) and International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), the international bodies as an annual event to become a regular fixture along with other marathons around the world.
According to the organisers, the Lahore Marathon 2007 will consist of four races ie 5-km, 10-km, 42-km and 3-km for special people. The main marathon will start at 10 am and after a 10-minute break 10-km race will start. At 10.30 am, 5-km race will start. The participants would run on different routes, all starting and finishing at the Qaddafi Stadium. Punjab Chief Minister, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi will be chief guest at opening and closing ceremonies of the race. The total cash prize of 115,000 dollars will be at stake for the top position holders both in men and women categories.
The race will start from Qaddafi Stadium and participants will run through route Ferozepur road (Qalma Chowk to Qurtaba Chowk), Lower Mall Road (Chauburji Chowk and Azadi Chowk), Mall Road (PMG Chowk to Zafar Ali Mall Road), Main Bouleward Gulberg (Center Point to Siddique Trade Center), Fateh Sher Road (Qurtaba Chowk to Chauburji Chowk), Circular Road (Azadi Chowk to Chowk Baba Haider) and Canal Road (Mall road to Campus bridge).
Lahore police has adopted stringent security measures for the race. Around 2500 policemen will be deployed along the route of the race for protection of participants. The government has also imposed section 144 for this mega event in the City.
The route of marathon will be closed for all types of traffic from 9 am to 3 pm General public has been advised to follow alternate routes. Traffic Police staff will be on duty for the guidance of the citizens.
To a question, Ghouse Akbar said that there will be mixed marathon on January 14, 2007 and those who are opponent of mixed marathon should stay away from it. He said that the race will re-inforce the importance of healthy activities apart from projecting the country world-wide. The marathon, which has been converted into an annual event and made party of the international calendar, would be a trailblazer in many ways, he said.
Moreover, elite runners of different countries said on the occasion that they have found the local conditions excellent and the weather simply marvellous. They were delighted at the warm reception in Pakistan and general atmosphere, which was much to their liking.