Kolkata, Jan 5 (IANS): Braving the chill, thousands of people, including celebrities, ran to support underprivileged cancer-affected children, in Tata Medical Centre's Kolkata Marathon here Sunday.

Some ran for Rs.11.1 lakh prize money, while others withstood the cold for a good cause.

Enthusiasts from across India ran for the cause. West Bengal Governor M.K. Narayanan and former cricketer Sourav Ganguly, who flagged off the event, were also present on the occasion.

"Keep running, no better way to stay fit. It is good for heart, mind and body," said Narayanan.

Donning the green T-shirt provided by organisers, the participants - including a wheelchair-bound person, two women over the age of 80 years and children with cerebral palsy - enjoyed the marathon, mini marathon, fun run, corporate run and school run.

Students from various schools and colleges participated in large numbers. Spanning a total stretch of over 60 km (all categories of race combined), the race started from Red Road here and concluded at the same spot.

Wrapped in caps, jackets and other winter wears, Kolkata people and many athletes, including Sudha Singh, Preeja Sreedharan, Services's Satya Prakash, participated in the event.

Singh won the women's mini marathon, while Satya Prakash was declared the winner of the overall marathon.

Singer Usha Uthup and Tanushree Shankar's troupe charged the runners with their performances.

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