The sixth Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, carrying a prize fund of US $250,000, will be held on January 18, 2009. Registration for the annual run opens on July 10.

"We are opening the registrations more than six months in advance to give participants enough time to prepare for the event," said Vivek Singh of event organisers Procam at a media conference in Mumbai on Thursday.

• Images from the 2008 Mumbai Marathon

"The event is getting bigger and bigger every year and we have restricted the total registrations to around 36,000, out of which the full marathon (42.195 kms) will be run by 2,000 competitors and the half marathon (21.097 kms) by 9,500 runners," he said, adding the prize-money has swelled by US $10,000.

Like previous years, there will also be the Dream Run (6 kms for charity), Senior Citizens' run (4.3 kms ) and wheelchair event (2.5 kms).

Registrations close on August 30 or whenever running places are full, whichever is earlier.

S Ramadorai, CEO of Tata Consultancy Services [Get Quote], who are the chief associate sponsors, said that this year's aim is to raise funds for an exclusive children's hospital.

If the Bandra-Worli Sea Link is completed before the run, the organisers plan to utilise the bridge as part of the route.

"We are hopeful. If it's available we will look at it seriously," Vivek Singh said.

Bollywood star John Abraham [Images] is the event's ambassador.