The Hindu : Sport : Show to go on without AFI tag

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Sep 17, 2006
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Show to go on without AFI tag

Principal Correspondent

BANGALORE: Paucity of funds and Athletic Federation of India (AFI) strictures almost `killed' the Bangalore International Marathon. After the resounding success of the inaugural event last year, Bangalore yearned for another marathon and when the event managers — Crossover — put it off in May this year there was a touch of disappointment and uncertainty of the event happening at all.

Despite the pull out of last years sponsor Lipton in the eleventh hour and no money-bags stepping in the organisers went ahead to announce the event only to be baulked by the AFI for the `royalty amount'. With the official status denied by the AFI, the organisers even without the involvement of Karnataka Athletic Association (KAA) are going ahead with the run, with just Rs. 5 lakh as prize money.

"We have to do this to keep the continuity" said a worried M. Darshan, Director, Crossover on the eve of the marathon. "There is some sprinkling of Ethiopian and Kenyan runners along with a few others but all this is still awaiting final confirmation. So far about 72 for the full marathon and about 250 for the half marathon will take the start," asserted Darshan, who was desperately seen running from pillar to post to make the event happen.

Despite the AFI threat of suspension those unable to make it to Delhi for the Indian Open scheduled there for the morrow, are also expected to participate, here. "This is something we don't want to miss... and moreover the federation has not done much for marathon and marathoners, either" said an ardent follower.

The route for all three events — marathon (42.195km), half marathon (21.097km) and the Celebrity run (7km) will be the same as previous years with the longer event winding upto Kasturi Nagar intersection in the Outer ring Road via the Hebbal fly-over with the winner pocketing Rs. 1 lakh with Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 25,000 for the following two while the winner of the half marathon in either section will be richer by Rs. 35,000 with the runner-up getting Rs. 15,000 and the third place finisher winning Rs. 10,000.

The Karnataka Athletic Association (KAA) will adhere to its parent body (AFI) and not involve in anyway in this event but the organisers are unfazed. "The event is happening and every Banglorean is behind us... " was the consolation note.

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