MUMBAI: Title sponsor Airtel has put a spoke in the works of the Delhi Half Marathon, by expressing its reservations about being associated with the event from next year if the “authorities” refuse to address the issue of air pollution in the Capital.
The issue of Delhi’s crippling air pollution reared its head last weekend when the Indian Medical Association, a national representative voluntary organisation of doctors, called for the cancellation of the race to be run on November 19, citing high levels of air pollution in Delhi.
In a statement on Monday, telecom giant Airtel, which has sponsored the race for nine years now, said it would have to rethink on continuing the association as “…we have received a lot of feedback from our customers and citizens at large expressing concern on holding the marathon in view of the prevailing air pollution in the city.”
Airtel said it has discussed the issue with organisers Procam International, who had assured that the race would be held with all necessary safety guidelines in place.
Procam’s joint managing director Vivek Singh told SportzPower on Tuesday that while Airtel’s response was “unexpected”, the telecom major was merely expressing concerns for the future and that the 19 November event, with registered 35,000 runners, is on track.
“Pollution is a reality in Delhi but asking for the cancellation of a green event that keeps thousands of cars off the road is unrealistic,” Singh said, pointing out that the IMA had stayed silent on events like the Prime Minister’s Unity Run and the Delhi Cyclothon, both of which were held in the capital some days ago.
In a statement, Procam has responded to IMA’s call by saying, “The Race Day keeps cars off the designated 21kms of the city, and salt mixed with effluent treated water that is used to wash the course, ensures that the dust pollution is negated making the Race Day a far more conducive environment for running.” Terming the IMA call ‘shortsighted and misplaced’, Procam said it is continuously monitoring this situation and working with experts in the medical and ecological domain.
The ADHM has had a record number of entries this year, and the best runners from India and around the world will be competing in the event. 2017 world champions Geoffrey Kirui and Almaz Ayana will be contesting the IAAF Gold Label Road Race at the marathon this year, the 13th edition of the ADHM. The ADHM is the only IAAF Gold Label Road Race in India. Kirui, who won the men’s marathon at the IAAF World Championships London 2017 this summer, knows what the racing in Delhi is all about and is familiar with the circuit. Reigning world 10,000m champion Ayana will be setting foot on Indian soil for the first time and will also be making her debut over the half marathon distance.
International governing bodies such the Association of International Marathons & Distance Races (AIMS ) and the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) are in close touch with the organisers, Procam said.
