Shimla, Aug 18 (IANS): Shimla will host the second edition of a half-marathon next month, an organiser said here Tuesday.

Principal Secretary (Youth Services and Sports) V.C. Pharka told IANS that the half-marathon would be organised in association with Delhi-based Running and Living Infotainment Sept 26.

He said the theme of half-marathon would be "Enjoy the Natural and Health Bounty of Shimla".

The event would pass by several historical buildings like Gorton Castle, the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies and the Oak Over. It would conclude at the historic Ridge, an open space just above The Mall.

To attract the participants from outside the state, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has decided to give discounts to those who stayed in the state-run hotels.

"A discount of 30 percent would be given on stay to the participants in the HPTDC hotels in Shimla," HPTDC managing director Subashish Panda said.