Imphal, March 08 2009: In the 3rd mega marathon race organized by United People's Front (UPF) under the supervision of Athletic Association of Manipur with an objective to build a healthy and potential state today, Sanjit Luwang, a resident of Yairipok Bishnunaha who is also currently serving in the Assam Regiment has won the prestigious men's open title of the half marathon while S Premila of Yairipok Heikru Mayai Leikai won the title for women's open in the marathon.

The marathon race was organized under two categories one for open and the other for veteran.

The winners were given cash prize of Rs 30,000, Rs 20,000 and Rs15,000 and certificates to the winners, runners ups and second runner ups respectively.

A cash prize of Rs 2000 was also given to ten other toppers as consolation prize.

The marathon was launched by the Health and Family Welfare Minister, Ph Parijat from Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.

Around 3000 athletes including athletes from Sikkim and other north eastern states took part in the competition today.

It could be remembered that UPF organized the first Mega Marathon in the year 2007 under the supervision of Athletic Association of Manipur with an objective to build a strong, healthy and potential society.

Sanjit took 1 hour 5 minutes and 14 seconds to reach at the end point while Premila took 1 hour 21 minutes and 22 seconds to reach at the arrival point at Khuman Lampak.

O Sanaton of Oinam Mamang Leikai delayed 23 seconds to secure the first runner up position while RB Subha of Uttared Sikkim West took 1 hour 6 minutes and 09 seconds to arrive at the end point to secure the second runner up position.

In the women's open category former champion and also a winner at various international championships, Th Pasotleima of Kontha Ahallup took 1 hour 25 minutes 12 seconds to hold the first runner up position while Th Rajeshwari of Thoubal Pakhangkhong took 1 hour 27 minutes 02 seconds to bagged the second runner up title of the marathon.

The cash prize of the men's open title was dedicated by Gurumayum Ongbi Rajkumari Nayansana in memory of his late son G Jaydev while the prize of the first runner up was dedicated by Nongmaithem Pasa in fond memory of his late father N Pahari who was a renowned singer of the state and the cash prize of the second runner up was donated by Blossom School, Moirangkhom.

The cash prize for the winner of the women's open category was donated by Minister Bijoy Koijam in the name of his late father Koijam Yaima while the cash prize of first runner up was dedicated by Dean of Central Agricultural University, Dr Naorem Iboton and the cash prize of the second runner up of the women's open category was donated by Huidrom Bikramjit of HVS Private Limited.

For the women's veteran category between the age group of 35 years and 45, Bardaloi of Makankush, O Sana of Thoubal Ningombam and M Sapna of Nongmeibung Purana Bazar secured the first, second and third position respectively while for the men's veteran category for the age group between 40 years and 50 years, former third position holder in the marathon, O Brojen of Tera Khuraijam Leikai, T Joy of Kongpal Ningthoubung Leikai and A Shankar of Changangei Mayai Leikai bagged the title of first, second and third position respectively.

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