The response to the BSNL Bangalore International Marathon has been very encouraging and entries continued to pour in for the event to be held here on Sunday.

Thirteen of the 26 international participants arrived in the city on Friday. Five Kenyans have already arrived. Chris McFaul from the United Kingdom and Emily Yam, Keong Chee Yam and Annie Chung from Malaysia have also come in for the third edition of the event.

“Among Indians, six members of the National camp currently on at the Sports Authority of India Southern Centre on the outskirts of the city will also run the half marathon,” said Karnataka Athletics Association secretary Satyanarayana.

“Several colleges and information technology companies are sending entries for the event. We are happy with the number of entries coming in considering that the Bangalore Marathon is just three years old.
“Moreover, as  many as 780 runners from IT companies will be taking part in the half marathon, which is a good sign,” he added. In fact, some of the women participating in the event were keen to run in the full marathon, which is only for the men.

“It would have been nice to have women running the full marathon. But IAAF rules say that there should not be changes once the events have been announced,” said Satyanarayana.

Some of the top foreign and Indian runners are expected to train at the Sree Kanteerava stadium, the start/ finish point, on Saturday.

The event begins at 6.00 am on Sunday.