Kolkata, February 4: With the winter season in its last lap, about 10,000 runners witnessed a memorable misty morning in the company of Sachin Tendulkar during the second edition of IDBI Federal Life Insurance Kolkata Full Marathon. Among the runners were homemaker Pooja Jain, a mother of two who ran a full marathon in a saree, and blade runner Afzal Khan.

"We all have our days when we look for excuses not to get up, get out and exercise. This young man leaves no room for any. You are an inspiration blade runner, Afzal Khan. Keep running," Tendulkar posted on Twitter posing with Afzal.

"It's great to see how so many people from all walks of life joined us in this fitness endeavour," Tendulkar said as he also posted his selfie with the runners.

Sachin Tendulkar with Blade-runner Afzal Khan

Tendulkar cheered for them, posed for selfies and even obliged his fans with autographs from the stage as the Indian icon ensured that every participant returned home with happy memories.

Cricketing Icon Taking Selfies With Winners

"Kemon acho Kolkata," Tendulkar greeted the participants while flagging off the marathon. Describing it as an electrifying atmosphere, Tendulkar said: "Every time we have come here, we've seen a better response. "We are all talking about India's health and future generation being aware of how important it is to remain in good health."

Tendulkar was gifted a bracelet by the young girls of Ek Tara, an NGO as he pointed at it and said: "I'm wearing this... They are all teenagers, young girls. It means a lot to me.

"When I saw these kids standing on the front row, my message to all the seniors was catch them if you can. They are going to run way. It's time to keep up with them. They have got the message." He concluded by saying, "It's important that seniors also respond to that. So far it has been fantastic, let's make it even better."

Over 8,000 participants competed across four categories in the full marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5Kraces, carrying a prize purse of Rs 10 lakh. The full marathon witnessed 800 runners, with the flag-off at 5 am, followed by 1500 runners participating in the half marathon at6 am.

Like last year, the Red Road served as both the start and finish point for the marathon as the runners will pass through city's iconic Eden Gardens, Victoria Memorial, Kolkata High Court, St Paul's Cathedral among others. Thousand army men and 1000 police personnel also participated in the race.