Friday, May 13 2005 17:10 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Bangalore is all set to host the first ever Lipton Bangalore International Marathon in Bangalore on May 15 with at least 15,000 participants including few internationally acclaimed athletes confirming attendance.

Karnataka Athletics Association (KAA) President Dr G Parameshwara, a former Karnataka Minister, told reporters here that 5,000 confirmed entries have been received so far.

As the organisers were yet to get the list of participants registered with corporate houses and other organisations, the number of runners taking part in this cash prize marathon was expected to touch 15,000 mark, he said.

Three categories marathon was being held - Marathon covering 42.195 kms distance, Half Marathon 21.097 kms and Celebration run for seven kms.

Apart from Indian runners, internationally acclaimed athletes who would participate include Tesfaye Bayu Orgawa, Tegayae Desalgne, Abebe Seume, Korre Alemu, Marashet Jimma and Adanech Beyene.

Celebrities who would be lending a glittering touch to the event are, actress and singer, Vasundhara Das, former All England Champion Prakash Padukone, fashion guru Prasad Bidappa, yesteryear cricketers Javagal Srinath, Syed Kirmani and many more, Parameshwara said.

The full marathon winner in men's and women's section gets Rs 1.32 lakh, Rs 50,000 for winners of half marathon and Rs 15,000 to fastest Indians.

Marathon Director, Nathan Clayton and Hong Kong's Curriculum Development Officer, Fung Wang-Tak, who measure the route, were also present.