New Delhi: Half Marathon registrations soar all-time high

New Delhi (IANS): As the capital city readies itself to host the 15th edition of the Delhi Half Marathon (ADHM) on October 20, Procam International revealed that the registrations for all categories have 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 percent 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 1,430 registrations, while the champions with disability will have 573 individuals defying all odds to complete the distance.

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.

The 2014 and 2011 winner, Suresh Kumar Patel, will lead the men's line-up. He has also tasted victory in four editions at the TCS World 10K (2018, 2015, 2013 & 2011) in Bengaluru. In his most recent appearance for the 25 km distance run, Patel timed a personal best of 1:04:38.

Patel's exploits will be challenged by young gun Murali Kumar Gavit, a bronze medallist in the Asian Athletic Championship 2019 in Doha. He is also a product of the Elite Distance Running Programme (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.

Delhi Half Marathon 2017 Course record holder L Suriya and 3000m steeplechase national record holder Sudha Singh will lead the Indian Elite Women's 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.

"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. 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.

"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 next Sunday, 20th Oct. 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's 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.

This year ADHM is supported by the 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.