MUMBAI: Over 15k enthusiastic runners are expected to line up on race day on 20 August of IDBI Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon's second edition.
Runners will soak in the architectural delights of "aamchi Mumbai," as they chart the course along the famed majestic structures of South Mumbai. The run will be flagged off by face of the event, Mumbai’s Sachin Tendulkar from Kala Ghoda on Sunday.
IDBI also announced their support for an initiative in donating shoes. Footwear, being an essential requirement for any runner, IDBI, in partnership with the Mumbai Road Runners, will provide running shoes to talented runners in need of footwear. Tendulkar kick-started the initiative by donating running shoes to five runners. He also donated 100 pairs of shoes on behalf of himself and his family to Green Soles with an aim to provide basic footwear to the underprivileged sections of the society.
The registrations date has been extended until 30 July, 2017. The Expo will be open at Mumbai University, Kalina Campus in Santacruz from 18 August to 19 August where participants can come to collect their bibs and running kits.
IDBI Federal Life Insurance CEO Vighnesh Shahane said, “We wanted to create a journey for these enthusiasts; and today we have marathons in four major cities in India, namely Mumbai, New Delhi, Kochi, Kolkata, and are delighted to see more and more people being conscious of their health and fitness.”
Tendulkar said “It’s not the pace, but the participation that is important and that makes one a true champion. I envision a fitter tomorrow for India."
Race director Nagaraj Adiga said, “It’s not only about the race day, the preparation begins five months earlier. We start with the Inaugural run, and this year we had more than 3000 participants, followed by four training runs which had a marvellous turn-out with registrations closing on the first day itself. The response we received for the 24-hour stadium run was fantastic; there were 100 teams, with 60 people running for 24 hours. Mumbai runners have always given a great response to the marathon, this year as registrations have crossed the 20,000 mark."
