LAHORE, Dec 6: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi on Tuesday said the second international marathon would be held in Lahore on Jan 29 and its income would be donated towards President’s Relief Fund for the rehabilitation of earthquake-hit people.

He was presiding over a meeting regarding the Lahore Marathon 2006 here. Chief secretary Salman Siddique, Chief Minister’s Task Force on Lahore chairman Ghaus Akbar, sports secretary Arshad Bhatti, Lahore DCO Khalid Sultan, DIG Tariq Salim Dogar and other senior officers were present.

Officials said the income would be generated through a nominal fee on the participation in the marathon. Around 25,000 athletes from within and outside the country were expected to take part in the race.

They said the chief minister authorized Mr Akbar to organize the race, asking all government departments to comply with his instructions.

Police were asked to ensure foolproof security arrangements for the event so that no unpleasant incident could take place. Security should be given to the participants who would also include foreigners, the chief minister was quoted as having said.

The chief minister said the marathon would greatly help in promoting healthy activities and providing relief to the calamity-stricken people.

He said last year’s marathon in Lahore went a long way in promoting the image of Pakistan as a progressive, moderate and enlightened country.

The chief minister hoped that the next Lahore Marathon would also be a success. It had been formally included in the world race calendar and now the event would be held in Pakistan on regular basis.

He said the Lahore Marathon 2006 would be run in three categories — 42 kms, 10 kms and 5 kms — and it would start from Qadhafi Stadium.

He said athletes from more than 20 countries would participate in the race.

Moreover, professional athletes as well as people from different walks of life would take part in the event.

He said a private bank would sponsor the race.

Mr Akbar said world-renowned athletes and more than 25,000 citizens were expected to participate in the marathon.