New Delhi, Feb 6 : The Mawana Sugars Indian Open marathon is not like any other run. It is dedicated to more than one social cause. Five thousand people will be out running Sunday for a purse of Rs. 15 lakhs.

The 21st edition, like the previous three marathons, will take the route that is likely to be the course for the Commonwealth Games marathon, beginning from Princess Place.

The participants will run around the circular course of 10.49 km four times for the main marathon and twice for the half-marathon.

Co-sponsored by Usha and Honda, the marathon has been gaining strength every year. It has been dedicated to causes like environment protection, AIDS awareness, earthquake relief and concern for the disabled.

The chairman of Mawana Sugars Ltd, Siddharth Shriram, said the race was organised to expand the business of running.

"In India there is talent in athletics, but we have not been able to justify it. Milkha Singh had a fourth place finish in 1960 Olympics and in 50 years no Indian has been able to break that record. The training of the athletes need to improve," Shriram told IANS.

"The Mawana Sugars marathon began as a small enterprise. Over the years it has grown to attract 5,000-6,000 participants, a 30 percent increase from last year."

The organisers have been holding preparatory workshops-cum-clinics to train runners about long-distance running. Shriram wants younger people to indulge in the goodness of running.

"The Mawana Sugar marathon is officially recognised by the Athletics Federation of India and has been given the national status. The points from the marathon will contribute to athletes' rankings," Shriram said.

The prize for men and women winners has been increased from Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs 2.5 lakhs each. Shririam said it will go up further next year.

In half-marathon, the winners will get Rs. 50,000 each.(IANS)