The Hindu : Sport / Athletics : 9000 sign up for half-marathon

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Thursday, Jan 17, 2008
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9000 sign up for half-marathon

Special Correspondent

Mumbai: Each year there has been a slight change, but that’s enough to keep us on our toes, said Hugh Jones, Racing Director, Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2008, on Tuesday.

The marathon — which has raised Rs. 18 crore for charity in the first four years — has evoked considerable interest among sponsors and participants alike.

Romania’s long distance runner and Olympic gold medallist Gabriela Szabo is one of the two overseas brand ambassadors of the event.

“There’s been a strong pressure from entries. There’s been a massive growth in the half-marathon. In the first year it was 3,000, now it has risen to 9,000.

“So we have decided to segregate the finishing lanes.

Former sprint champion Adille Sumariwala said that it is a nightmare for all those associated with the event.

“It’s not run inside a stadium, but on the streets of Mumbai. We have seen dogs chasing runners and on occasions, kids sprinting with the runners. The aim is to improve the conduct of the event and we have in place officials to deal with it,” he said.

Some celebrity runners will also take part in different events on Sunday.

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