An 85-year old man and a 78-year old woman are among the more than 10,000 participants of the third edition of Coimbatore Marathon 2015, scheduled to be held on October 4.

Ramesh Ponnusamy, the coordinator of the Marathon, said that while the 85-year-old will run the 10 KM race, the woman will participate in the 5 KM walk. There were 10,782 entries this year. Last year, there were 10,561 participants. The inauguration year, in 2013, saw more than 8100 participants. Women participants have increased from 19 percent to 25 percent this year. 400 members of the defence forces will also run the race this time.

Ramesh said that the marathon, recognised by the Tamil Nadu Athletic Association and the Coimbatore District Athletic Association, consists of three events – a 21.1 km half marathon, a 10 km run, and a 5 km run/walk. Prize money of Rs.2.6 lakhs will be distributed to the winners in all the categories.