Running News Daily

Mumbai Half Marathon will return to action after two-year coronavirus-enforced gap

After a coronavirus -enforced gap of two years, the Ageas Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon will be held on December 19, the organizers said on Tuesday.

The event organizers NEB Sports said it will get all the permissions and clearances to recommence their various marathons across the country.

Several new protocols will be in place for the race this year, including mandatory vaccination or RT-PCR negative tests, staggered starts, packed breakfasts, sanitisers and disposable masks to make it safe for everybody, race director Nagaraj Adiga said in a release.

"The organizers intend to limit the numbers based on permissions from the government. We are very close to reaching our target already. Registrations are, however, open till December 4," he added.

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who is the brand ambassador of Ageas Federal Life Insurance, said that focus on fitness has increased manifold after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

"Since the pandemic began, the focus on fitness has increased manifold, and people have realised the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle," said Tendulkar.

The half marathon has a new home this year in the form of Wings Sports Centre, at reclamation in suburban Bandra, and the event races include the biggie, the half-marathon (21.1 km), the 10K and the 5K.

Robin and Varsha take top honors at the Mumbai Half Marathon

Delhi runner Robin Singh had to brave a heavy morning downpour and a persistent challenge from Dnyaneshwar to finish the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon clocking 1:11:43, almost two minutes ahead of the defending champion.

Mumbai's Varsha Namdev Bhawari proved to be untouchable among the women clocking 1:33:38 on a course that started and finished at the Jio Gardens at the Bandra Kurla Complex.

Robin broke away from the pack early on and calmly kept widening the gap between himself and the rest of the field.

Dnyaneshwar, however, stayed within striking distance for the most part and made a final dash but could only manage a 1:13:44 to finish second.  Dnyaneshwar probably had to worry more about the man breathing down his neck than the crown that was slipping away from his fingers.

Last year's runner-up Parshram Bhoi almost caught him at the finish, coming in third just a second behind Dnyaneshwar.

The women's contest too turned out to be intriguing.  Varsha was the undisputed queen though last year's runner-up Sayali Kupate gave her a run for her money.

They were almost shoulder to shoulder for about 15 kilometers before Kupate lost some steam and settled for second.

Nayan Balasaheb Kirdak clocked 1:38:24 for third place.

A record number of 17,500 runners will line up for the fourth edition of the Mumbai Half Marathon

17,500 runners will be lining up for the fourth edition of the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon, with Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar himself flagging off the country’s premier half marathon here this Sunday, 25th August.

This is a quantum jump of over 10% from last year’s participation, with runners from across the city registering for the half marathon, which will start from and conclude at BKC’s Jio Garden. Organised by NEB Sports, the half marathon has been certified by AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races), in association with AFI (Athletics Federation of India).

The gruelling and high-profile 21 km run will start at 5.15 am, followed by the Timed 10k Run at 6.10 am and the 5k Fun Run at 8.15 am.

“I am delighted to see the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon grow by leaps and bounds every year. There are inspiring stories I witness every year, of how running has helped transform individuals to become better versions of themselves. India is on the right path to transform from a sport-loving nation to a sport-playing nation, and events like these have a huge part to play in encouraging people to step out and #KeepMoving,” Sachin Tendulkar, Brand Ambassador, IDBI Federal Life Insurance said.

IDBI Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon has carved a special niche for itself, with members of the Armed Forces and the Police patronising it every year. This year, over 3,500 highly-trained runners from the men and women in uniform will be taking part. Out of the 17,500 runners, close to 4,500 are women, while 1,500 runners are participating through corporates, underlining the growing importance of running in India. Heart-warmingly, six special runners are also in the fray and each is determined to give the field a run for their money.

Among notable partnerships, IDBI Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon has tied up with a couple of NGOs – Apnalaya and Greensole. Apnalaya is a non-profit organisation that works with marginalized people in the highly under-served slums in Mumbai. Greensole, on the other hand, is inviting runners to donate their used shoes at the Marathon Expo. They will refurbish these shoes and share them with under-privileged runners. Additionally, 12 visually-impaired ‘Acupressure Therapists’ from Kanchan Kaya will provide relief to the runners post the race.

“As the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon grows in stature every year, we have attempted to bring in a new dimension this year by ensuring it is a green run. The aid stations will offer water and energy drinks in reusable cups rather than plastic bottles and we also encourage our runners to carry their own reusable water bottles,” Karthik Raman, Chief Marketing Officer, IDBI Federal Life Insurance, said. “Additionally we have tied up with Green Sole to provide refurbished and recycled shoes to deserving runners who cannot afford expensive footwear,” he added.

Nagaraj Adiga, Race Director said, “This is a perfect time for the half marathon and we have done our best to prepare the route and facilities to ensure that the runners will enjoy the race. We wish all the runners the very best during their final preparations and we are confident to see some good timings this year.”