Half-marathon gets full support

If organisers of the Vodafone Delhi half-marathon — slated for October 28 — is to be believed,

If organisers of the Vodafone Delhi half-marathon — slated for October 28 — is to be believed, then this year’s race will prove that the event is slowly, but surely, marching upwards in global popularity charts likes the London Marathon. This is as far as the number of participants goes.

“The goal of having a huge gathering of 30,000 athletes has been achieved,” disclosed the organisers here on Thursday. “Despite the deadline for accepting entries over, there are still enthusiastic participants still pouring in to be part of the race. But we will see if some slots are vacant to accommodate them,” said Vivek of the Procam International.

In the London Marathon edition, over 49,000 applications were accepted and 37, 000 had registered themselves for the race, while 35,000 finished the event.

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The organisers, however, have restricted the number of entries to the main event — half marathon to 10,000. This event will feature only elite athletes from both India and abroad.

But the major attraction of the vent, going by the number, is the ‘Great Delhi Run.’ In this category, the organisers are expecting 18,000 participants. There is also a wheelchair event and race for the senior citizens.

It was revealed that defending champion in the men’s section Fancis Kibiwott from Kenya has confirmed his participation. Other top athletes’ parade includes marathoners from Ethiopia and other East African nations. Some Russians, according to the organisers, are also expected to take part in the event.