Marathon is lot harder than cricket: Sourav Ganguly

"Marathon is different than cricket. 25K is a lot harder," the former skipper said.

Ganguly made the comment as he was present at Red Road, Kolkata, to commence the marathon along with former American track runner Mike Powell.

With the onset of winter and a sudden drop in mercury scale could not prevent the people of the city on Sunday from coming out in large numbers. People have turned up to participate in the fourth edition of TSK 25K marathon, which went international this year.

Speaking about the marathon going international, Ganguly told media: "Marathon will only become bigger because people are more health conscious these days. They want to run and come out to express themselves in marathon. "

Powell, another star attraction of the event, was the international ambassador of TSK 25K marathon.

Lauding Powell, Ganguly said: "He is a Kenyian and they (Keniyans) are outstanding. Actually marathon running is about the Kenyians. Because of the high altitude, they are the best runner of the world. They have always been the marathon champions."

The Bengal icon did not miss a chance to praise his home city for the enthusiasm it shows in all forms of events. "Kolkata is great city. It is the best time of the year in Kolkata. Energy, excitement are ways of leading lives of people in Kolkata. Its a great event."

The marathon started at 6.30 a.m.

Along with Powell and Ganguly, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, state sports minister Aroop Biswas were also present to grace the commencement of the marathon.

(Reporting by Souvik Ghosh)

Image: facebook.com/TSKolkata25