Shimla, Sep 2 - This Himachal Pradesh capital will experience the joy of running at the first edition of a half-marathon Oct 4.

State Youth Services and Sports Principal Secretary V.C. Pharka Wednesday said the half-marathon would be organised in association with Delhi-based Running and Living Infotainment.

'It is being organised for the first time in the hill state. The purpose of organising the marathon is to popularise and promote athletics. Now it would be organised on a regular basis,' he said.

The run would start from the historic Ridge, an open space just above The Mall, descend to the Peterhoff, the state guest house, and back to the Ridge.

Pharka said there will be two half-marathons - one 21 km track and the other 6 km track for school children and senior citizens.