Registration for the event soars to an all-time high
Harpal Singh Bedi / New Delhi
Two-time winner Suresh Kumar Patel will lead the Indian men’s line-up in the e 15th edition of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon to be held in the Capital on Sunday, 20th October.
Patel has also tasted victory in four editions at the TCS World 10K (2018, 2015, 2013 & 2011) in Bengaluru. In his most recent appearance for 25kms distance run, Patel timed a personal best of 1.04.38. His exploits will be challenged by young gun Murali Kumar Gavit, a bronze medalist in Asian Athletic Championship in Doha.
Gavit is also a product of the Elite Distance Running Program (EDRP) that was initiated by Procam International along with SAI and Global Sports Communications. Anish Thapa Magar who recently won a half marathon held in Kathmandu will also be a strong contender in the Indian Elite challenge along with Shankarman Thapa.
In the Women section 2017 Course record holder L Suriya and 3000m steeplechase national record holder Sudha Singh will lead the Indian Elite category. Suriya clocked 70.31 in 2017 to create a new course record while Sudha, who won the 2012 edition will be seen in a tough contest. The other big name in the women’s fray is Parul Chaudhary who finished runner up at the 2018 edition.
This IAAF Gold Label race with prize money of USD 275,000 boasts of a star-studded mix of Track & Field and road runners from India and across the world.
Meanwhile as the capital city readies itself to host the world’s prestigious Airtel Delhi Half Marathon Procam International revealed that the registrations for all categories, has soared to an all-time high of 40,633 participants.
In its milestone year, the Great Delhi Run has registered an unprecedented 16,962 runners. The half marathon witnessed a spike of 11 per cent with 13,115 participants and the 10K run registrations have jumped up by 77 percent to 8,553. The senior citizen run too has received a heart-warming 1430 registrations, while the champions with disability will have 573 inspiring individuals defying all odds to complete the distance.
“We are thrilled to see the record number of registrations for Airtel Delhi Half Marathon. It underlines the deep engagement this platform has established with participants and the public at large around the spirit of this marathon. Airtel is very proud to be a part of this amazing event and wishes all participants the very best for the run.” said Vani Venkatesh, CEO – Delhi/NCR, Bharti Airtel at a media conference
“It is overwhelming to witness registrations grow year-on-year and especially with this being a milestone year. It is unprecedented to have more than 40,000 runners on the start line at ADHM . In addition to the array of international athletes, we have a very respectable line-up of Indian elite athletes, who will show their mettle. To have one of the world’s most celebrated athlete’ Carmelita Jeter, as the Event Ambassador, will surely be a motivating factor for the multitude of runners” stated Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International.
Keeping with the tradition, this edition will see 19 CEOs, MDs, VPs, champion the cause of helping others complete their distance running goals; the mark of a true leader.
As a major motivation to all registered participants, PUMA will give away Race-Day Singlets and Tee to all the half marathoners. The trendy, yet uber-comfortable dry-fit tee was launched this evening.
This year ADHM is ably supported by New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) who will lend their expertise to ensure all the waste on the route is efficiently managed. In addition to this, for the first time ever Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has associated with the event to provide special metro services.
Procam is also closely working with Hasiru Dala Innovations, a social enterprise, who will supervise the different eco-friendly alternatives and ensure efficient waste management at ADHM.