New Delhi, Oct 22 (UNI) "The BSF Half Marathon-2017" , a tribute to martyrs - organised by BSF was flagged off in the capital by the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Sunday. Other segment of the race 05 kilometer run was flagged-off by the MoS (Home) Kiren Rijiju. Rijiju also participated in the run for martyrs with DG BSF K K Sharma and other force members including members of BSF Wives' Welfare Organisation (BWWA). The marathon received overwhelming response of residents of Delhi and participants who registered to run for the cause. Total 4865 participants registered for the run. In addition, BSF Prahari Pariwar participated in large numbers. The BSF Half Marathon, was in the memory of martyrs who had gathered support of various renowned and tall personalities from various walks of life. The BSF Half Marathon had the support of Golden Girl of Indian Athletics Padma Shri P T Usha,, Padma Bhusan Abhinav Bindra, Olympian Ace shooter, Arjuna Awardee Amit Luthra, Golfer and film actress Swara Bhasker. Not only these, star cricketers Virat Kohli, Md Shami and Yusuf Pathan also showed their support to the cause through their social media posts. National film awardee Akshay Kumar also supported BSF Half Marathon 2017 run for Martyrs. The Minister of State for Human Resource Development and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr Satya Pal Singh and Ms Sonalman Singh, famous classic dancer also graced the occasion. At the function to commemorate the martyrs, the family members of martyrs were felicitated. All trophies and prizes were dedicated to force martyrs. Medals and certificates were also distributed to all the participants. UNI SY AKC2003