Darjeeling Hill Marathon, the most famous running event of north Bengal which attracts international athletes, will be held on December 4 with prize money worth over Rs 9 lakh.

The marathon, in its 9th edition now, is organised by Darjeeling police.

Santosh Nimbalkar, SP, Darjeeling, said: “Darjeeling Hill Marathon’s theme is Go Green Darjeeling.” Men and women can compete in two runs — 21.1km and 10km.

“Unlike in earlier years, we have one category for runners aged 35 years and below and another for 35 years and above,” said an organiser.\

The winner of the 21.1km (up to 35 years) will take home Rs 1 lakh. The first and second runners-up will receive Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000.

“There will be a local category and police category for men and women. We thank Darjeeling police for a local category for hill runners,” said Vikram Rai, founder of Vik-Run Foundation backing the event.

The Darjeeling police on Tuesday unveiled the event’s medals and teeshirts.

Rai said:“This year, medals will be square.”