LAHORE, Jan 27: More than 5,000 athletes have so far got their names registered for participating in three different events of the Lahore Marathon. Meanwhile, athletes from several countries have started reaching the city for the purpose.

This was stated during a meeting convened on Thursday to review arrangements for the marathon. Chief secretary Kamran Rasool presided over the meeting, which was also attended by Chief Minister's Task Force on Lahore chairman Ghaus Akbar; secretaries of the home, education, information, sports and transport departments; Lahore Nazim and other officials concerned.

It was stated that 8,000 athletes were expected to take part in the six-kilometre event, 2,000 in the 10-kilometre event and 4,000 in the 42-kilometre event. The chief minister would give go-signal to the participants on Jan 30 at 10am. He would also distribute prizes among the winners at the concluding point.

The marathon route is being decorated and the army and police bands would perform on different points to create an aura of festivity. The PTV and other channels have made elaborate arrangements for the live coverage of all events related to the marathon.