With just a day left for the first Bangalore Midnight Marathon, the organisers embraced the first foreign participant with joy while hoping for a surge in entries on the eve of the race.
Mathew Kangogo, a 23-year-old Kenyan, arrived on Thursday for the race which, the organisers say, is the first of its kind in the world.
Arrangements are in place for the event, which will begin with the IT City run at 6.30 pm on Saturday, according to M Darshan of Crossover, the organisers. The full marathon starts at 12.00 midnight and the half-marathon will begin half an hour later.
“A total of 1000 runners have confirmed participation so far in the full and half-marathon races. The interest is more in the half-marathon event,” Darshan said, adding that about 5000 runners were expected for the IT City run.
Kangogo is among the 22 ‘elite’ runners from abroad and this will be his first marathon outside his country.
“I have run two marathons before but this is the first time I will be running a midnight marathon. I am looking forward to it,” he said.
Kangogo, who has a best of 2::29:30, said he was keen to improve upon his time, with the weather conditions being just right for the event. “The marathon is a very tough event. I pray to god to help me finish the race and improve my time,” he said.
All the races will be held at the IGate Campus in the KIADB area in Whitefield.
Actress Ramya will flag off the marathon.
Meanwhile, the Athletics Federation of India said it had not granted recognition to the marathon. “Strict action will be taken against officials and athletes who are affiliated and registered with AFI, if they participate or support this marathon in any form,” an AFI release said.