LAHORE, Jan 14: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi says the masses’ growing interest in the third International Lahore Marathon has proved that they want promotion of healthy and constructive activities in the country.

“It was the masses who took keen interest and made the event a success by participating in it,” the chief minister told media people at the Punjab Stadium on Sunday.

He said the success of the event had not only highlighted the identity of Lahore, but also promoted an enlightened image of the country at the international level. For the first time, three events were dedicated to special people in order to encourage them and to help them become useful citizens.

“The marathon has become an annual feature of Lahore. The fourth marathon will also be held here as the race is not only a healthy activity, but it has also been instrumental to promotion of tourism,” he said.

Expressing happiness over the fact that the third marathon was inaugurated by President Musharraf, the chief minister lauded the effort of CM’s Task Force on Lahore chairman Ghause Akbar and other members, district nazim Mian Amir and Punjab Sports Minister Moeen Riaz Qureshi for making better arrangements than the last year.