Standard Chartered Marathon proceeds to go to quake victims

Lahore: Dedicating all proceeds from the registration to the President Relief Fund for Earthquake Victims, the Punjabi capital is gearing up to host the second Standard Chartered Lahore Marathon to be run in the city next month.

Following the instant success of the maiden event and projection of the "soft side" of Pakistan and its enlightened image worldwide, the Punjab Government is organising this event on January 29, 2005. The race, unlike last year, will be inaugurated from inside the Punjab Stadium and also finish there with special ceremonies each occasions.

After the unprecedented success of Standard Chartered Lahore Marathon 2005, the Chief Minister's Task Force on Lahore is organising this year's event.

"With an improved élite field, a strong technical team and a large public participation expected, the Marathon, in addition to promoting the athletic spirit, is dedicated to raising funds for the President's Relief Fund for Earthquake Victims," Ghouse Akbar, Chairman of the Task Force on Lahore told reporters.

The international bank has already sponsored two major marathons, one in Nairobi (October 23, 2005), and one in Singapore (November 4, 2005),and will do the same next year at Mumbai on January 15, Lahore on January 29 and Hong Kong on February 12.

Ian Ladbrooke will be the Race Director once again after his great success with the first race.