ISLAMABAD, Jan 9: The capital administration collected over Rs3 million for tsunami victims during a mini-marathon held at Fatima Jinnah Park on Sunday.

About 20,000 people, including women, children and aged people, took part in the race. The money raised in the event would be deposited with the president's fund for the tsunami victims.

Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was the chief guest at the event. Labour Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Minister of State for Finance Omar Ayub Khan and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Women Affairs Nilofar Bakhtiar were also present on the occasion.

The information minister appreciated the district administration for organizing the race, saying such healthy events should be held in the capital on regular basis. He also announced a grant of Rs100,000 for the victims of the tsunami disaster.

The administration has also set up three camps at Aabpara Market, Karachi Company Market and Super Market to collect donations for the tsunami victims. The first five winners of the race received special prizes.

They were Ahsanullah, who received a colour TV set, Shahid Abbasi won a mountain bike, Mohammad Safeer, who stood third was given a DVD player, Mohammad Waseem won a mobile telephone while Mukhtar Ahmed who stood fifth in the race received a food factory. Besides, 20 track suits were also given to the first 20 position holders.

About 205 prizes were given to the participants through a lucky draw. Children and women clad in colourful dresses thronged the park to witness the race that started at about 12 noon.

The race started from the park's gate opposite E-9 sector and after passing through Shaheen Chowk and TNT Chowk concluded at 1:30pm at another gate located in front of F-10 Markaz.