Kanpur Marathon
Kanpur is a major industrial centre in Uttar Pradesh. Besides having numerous industrial establishments, the city is also home to prestigious educational institutions like Indian Institute of Technology. The institute besides its regular educational activities also hosts numerous sporting events and the annual marathon event is one of the popular events in the city which the Institute holds.
Ultra Marathon Kanpur
The Ultra Marathon event which is turning to be an annual affair has gained much popularity in the city. Each year over 700 to 800 people from all walks of life participate in the marathon event. Besides the professors and students from IIT Kanpur, general sports enthusiasts and some professionals also participate in the marathon event.
How Kanpur Marathon Functions
The Kanpur Marathon is exclusive in the sense that despite being organized by a premium education body of the country, the event witnesses huge interest and participation from the general public and professional athletes at large. The event is held in various categories and participants are allowed to participate in any one of the category based on their physical fitness and other associated health aspects.
50 km Individual
This can be cited as the most challenging leg of the marathon event where participants are required to complete a leg of 50 km. Students and professional athletes can be seen participating in this category with much vigour.
42.2 Km Individual
This is the second competitive leg of the event where the participants are required to complete a leg of 42.2 Km. This category witnesses much interest from the professional participants who ensure to put their best foot forward during the event.
21 Km individual
This category is open to general public at large and marathon enthusiasts from across the region are seen participating in this category with much enthusiasm and fanfare.
10 Km Individual
To encourage participation from teenagers, the organizers have created this category. Children above the age group of 10 years are allowed participation in this category of Kanpur marathon event.
5 Km Individual
Another popular category among children is the 5Km individual. Children above the age of 10 years can participate in this category if they feel incompetent of competing in the 10 Km category.
2 Km Individual
This is another important category of the Kanpur Marathon event which witnesses participation from young children below the age of 10. Young school kids from Kanpur show much interest in this category and some schools bring along their students to be a part of this category of Kanpur marathon.
50 Km Relay Race
The distance in this category is challenging and it might get difficult for the participants to compete in this category. The organizers have allowed the participants to form teams in this category to complete the race successfully.
Facilities for Participants of Kanpur Marathon
As some of the professional participants in the race come from cities beyond Kanpur, they are not well versed with the topography of the region. To make things simpler for such participants, ample direction signs are placed at key locations along the marathon route. The event is being held on a regular basis since the last few years and witnesses much participation from marathon enthusiasts in the region.