Virat Kohli to be the face of Delhi Marathon
The Marathon will now be called IDBI Federal Life Insurance New Delhi Marathon and will take place in the city on February 28.
India’s Test Cricket captain, Virat Kohli will be the ‘Face of the Event’ which will see more than 15,000 participants take to the streets on the last Sunday of February.
There are 3 categories to the event – 42 km Full Marathon, 21 km Half Marathon, and 5K Swacch Bharat Run that aims to promote the message of a clean and green India.
The Prize pot for this event is Rs 35 Lacs across elite and age-group categories. The elite event entry is restricted to Indian nationals only in order to promote running as a sport in India.
Adidas will be the Running Partner for the upcoming event, and will be conducting special running clubs to help enthusiasts take to running as a fitness platform. Accredited by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), IDBI Federal Life Insurance New Delhi Marathon has been conferred the title of ‘National Marathon Championship 2016’ - athletes with a good performance will have a chance to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics. In addition, performance will also lead to national ranking for runners for the year 2016.
In keeping with a strong sense of equality and sportsmanship, this event will be India’s first ‘inclusive’ marathon which will see differently-abled participants run alongside other marathoners. Participation for this marathon will give winning participants an opportunity to seek jobs and apply for promotions with the Central Government.
Major D P Singh, a 3-time Limca record holder, and the first Indian blade runner, along with The Challenging Ones (TCO), a group of 20 blade runners led by him, will also participate in the IDBI Federal Life Insurance New Delhi Marathon in the capital city. The Kargil war veteran has been spearheading the cause of ‘Ability from Disability’ and will be seen leading a large group of amputees for the run on February 28 in New Delhi.
Speaking about the marathon, Vighnesh Shahane, CEO, IDBI Federal Life Insurance said, “It is a matter of immense pride for us to be associated with the capital’s first full marathon, now called the ‘IDBI Federal Life Insurance New Delhi Marathon’. This event is unique in many ways, and aims to inspire thousands of enthusiastic participants to lead a fit and healthy life.”
Shahane added, “We at IDBI Federal Life Insurance are deeply committed to sports, and to a sporting way of life. Given our interests in cricket and the existing portfolio of running events in Kolkata and Kochi, bringing to Delhi its first full marathon was a natural step forward for us. We will continue to identify and add similar such sports initiatives to our portfolio.”
Race Director, Nagaraj Adiga, says, “This event is for the runners and by the runners. I aim to create an event which is an experience in itself, an experience for the fastest elite to the last person crossing the finish line. This will be a destination event for runners from across the country – an amalgamation of the Delhi infrastructure and the spirit of the runners promises to be an exhilarating experience on Race Day. We would love for citizens of Delhi to come out and support the runners by cheering them along the route.”
Registrations for this event are open on newdelhimarathon.com
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