NEW DELHI: The countdown to the 10th edition of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon has begun with 35,000 running enthusiasts prepping for the honours. However, alarming levels of pollution in the national capital in the lead-up to race day for a second year running has forced organisers Procam International to consider shifting the event to a new window from the next edition.
IANS quotes Procam joint managing director Vivek Singh as saying, “There is a possibility to shift this event to a new window… we may organise the event earlier or later. We have the option of the alternative window. We will discuss with our stakeholders and see which will the best window for the event.”
A few days ago, Airtel, who have been the title sponsors of the event for the last nine years, said they would have to rethink their association from next year, citing pollution levels in the city but came out in support of the organisers on Thursday.
“As always, we will continue to support the event. It is great to see the fantastic response to the call for registration for ADHM,” said Ravi Negi, CEO of Bharti Airtel, Delhi NCR.
Among the big names expected to participate this year are Men’s World Marathon Champion Geoffrey Kirui and Airtel Delhi Half Marathon Defending Women’s Champion Worknesh Degefa along with the Women’s 10,000m World Champion Almaz Ayana, who won Gold at the same event in Rio Olympics 2016. Yigrem Delemash, the runner up of last edition of Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, will challenge Geoffrey Kirui for the title in the Men’s category.
The organisers say the event heralded a new high with registrations closing in a record 20 days for half marathon with 13,000 runners signing up for the event. The $275,000 event will witness 35,000 participants running in four race categories – Half Marathon (Elite & amateur), Great Delhi Run, 10K Run, Senior Citizens and Champions with Disability.
Linford Christie, the only British athlete to have won Gold medals in the 100 metres at all four major competitions Olympics, Commonwealth Games, World Championships & European Championships and was the first European to have run sub ten seconds, will be present at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon and motivate all runners participating in the race.
Commenting on the countdown towards Race Day, he said, “I am very excited to be in India and I will see you all at the race on 19th.”
Added Singh, “It’s heartening to know that the enthusiasm of the runners is intact and the participating numbers this year proves that. The presence of sporting legends like Linford Christie and Anthony Ervin makes this edition more special and will provide an extra zip to the participants. We appreciate the support of our sponsors and all stakeholders in helping to make this event possible and look forward to a successful race day on 19th November.”
Delhi Dynamos, the Indian Super League football club of the capital city, too, has joined hands with the event to promote fitness in the city. Speaking at the event, Ashish Shah, CEO, Delhi Dynamos FC said, “Delhi has developed an incredible spirit and culture of running thanks to the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon. We (Delhi Dynamos) are happy to join them in celebrating this sportsman spirit of our city. As a football club, fitness & health are the two most important aspects for us. From grassroots to the first team, fitness is the basis of becoming a top athlete and that is the message that we want to give out to all the runners as well. Our coach and our players look forward to interacting with the participants and inspire them with techniques that are being used at the pinnacle of the sport.”
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Delhi air pollution causes Airtel to rethink marathon sponsorship
