Kathmandu, March 13:

Nepal Investment Bank Limited (NIBL) is organising the first NIBL Annual Marathon on March 17.

The Rs 500,000 event includes races in four different categories — 21-km, 10-km, 5-km and 1-km run. The 21-km race is itself divided into three sub-categories — professional, amateur and race for the foreigner/expatriates, said the organisers at a press meet. The prize money in the 21-km race is Rs 236,000.

The 10-km race features ladies’ category as well as for men belonging to various financial institutions. A total of Rs 103,000 has been set aside as the prize money in this section. Likewise, the 5-km event includes race for the financial institution (female), race for school boys and girls. The total prize money in this section is Rs 72,000.

The 1-km race is meant for handicapped and Rs 41,000 has been allotted as prize money in this section.

“The event is a part of NIBL’s social responsibility and the funds generated from this programme will go towards the heritage conservation of Patan Durbar/Sundar Chowk,” said Prithivi Bahadur Pande, chairman and chief executive director of NIBL.

By organising the event, Pande said that the bank expected to raise a fund of Rs five million for the Patan Durbar Heritage Conservation.

“We expect to raise Rs 2.5 million from the event while the same amount will be matched by World Monuments Funds,” Pande added. “The event is conceptualised for all those who run for fun and who care about our heritage.”

Pande also disclosed that NIBL staff have declared to donate a day’s salary for the noble cause. All the races start and end at the NIBL head office in Durbar Marg.