Rwanda female marathon runner Epiphanie Nyirabarame will be among the thousands of athletes competing in today’s Mumbai Marathon race. The annual international event, which is entering its seventh edition, is sponsored by Standard Chartered bank.

The marathon, which is Asia’s largest and richest, is also among the top marathons held annually in the world. It attracts some of the world’s top runners, and over the last five years the proceeds raised of over $6million have been given to more than 100 charities.

The prize money for this year’s edition has been increased to $250,000 from $150,000 aimed at putting it in line with the stature of the event.

Two thousand places were on offer for the full marathon and 9500 places for the half marathon. It also includes subsidiary categories like the dream run, the corporate challenge which will accommodate 23000 participants.

1900 were permitted for the senior citizens run, while 150 entries were allocated to the wheel chair category raising the total number accepted to 36000 participants.

Nyirabarame, 25 is of two local athletes whose training is monitored and sponsored by the president of Rwanda National Olympics Committee, Ignace Beraho.

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