Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2010
November 18, 2010: The 3rd edition of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon is all set to take its place in the hearts and minds of Delhites on this Sunday, November 21st. This event has obtained a certification by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) has certified it as a Gold Label Race. This honour has been conferred on only 6 half marathons in the world. It is the most prestigious half marathon in the world with total prize money of USD 210,000. This race also has a benevolent side. Last year, it helped raise crores of rupees for the benefit of various NGOs and underprivileged people.
The Delhi Half Marathon this year consists of total four races:
- The Half Marathon (21.097 km)
- The Great Delhi Run (6 km)
- Senior Citizen’s Run (4 km)
- Wheelchair Event (2.5 km)
Among the abovementioned events, The Great Delhi Run sees maximum turnout. The registrations for the marathon event can be individual or also group entries. There is also a provision for running in support of a cause with a registered NGO. People can also participate in a costume race called a Run-in-Costume in which the best costume is given a prize at the end of the race!
In the previous event in 2009, 29000 runners participated in all the races combined. Ethiopian Deriba Merga won the Half Marathon in the men’s category finishing the race within an hour’s time. He clocked at 59 minutes, 54 seconds! Participants this year will be aiming to break his record, with a little help from the cool weather conditions and straight roads in Delhi. The ace runner won this event in 2008 as well. In the women’s category, Kenyan Mary Keitany ran away with all the accolades with a timing of 1:06:54. The prize money for the winners was USD 25,000.
This year, more than 30000 people are expected to participate in the Delhi Half Marathon. Among the Indian contingent, much is expected from the duo of Deepchand Saharan and Sukanya Mall who finished first among the Indian participants in last year’s event clocking at 01:04:00 and 01:20:11 respectively.
The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon is an opportunity for Indian runners to showcase their ability at the highest level of international running. Events like this promote running as a sport, and should be encouraged at every level. Come Sunday, and Delhi will be witness to a rejuvenated and re-energised new city.
Tags: AIMS, Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, Athletics, Gold Label Race, IAAF, India, Indian Sports, Sports, Sports India
