Kanyakumari (TN): Former Australian MP and ultra-long distance runner Pat Farmer today set off on a 4,600 km marathon run of the country, during which he will promote bilateral ties besides aiding a charity for education of the girl child.

53-year-old Farmer, also a former junior minister, set off on his 'Spirit of India' journey from the southernmost tip of the country and plans to cover about 60-80 km a day before ending his marathon run in Kashmir.