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Athletics

World record holders Brigid Kosgei and Ababel Yeshaneh add lustre to Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2020

World record holders Brigid Kosgei and Ababel Yeshaneh add lustre to Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2020
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Published: 21 Nov 2020 2:06 PM GMT

The countdown to the World Athletics Gold Label Race, the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon kick-started with the announcement of Marathon World record holder Brigid Kosgei and Ababel Yeshaneh, World Half Marathon Record Holder being added to an already stunning women’s field, making the 16th edition of this race on Sunday 29 November, without doubt, the strongest in the history of the event.

At the Chicago Marathon in October 2019, Kenya’s Kosgei stunned the world when she broke the long-standing women’s world marathon record by more than a minute, clocking 2:14:04. Yeshaneh was a distant second on that occasion but nevertheless still ran a superb personal best of 2:20:51. However, the tables were turned at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in February this year when a head-to-head contest between the pair in the final stages of the race saw Ethiopia’s Yeshaneh prevail in a world record 64:31 with Kosgei second in 64:49.

In their most recent outings last month, the 26-year-old Kosgei won the rescheduled London Marathon in 2:18:58 while the 29-year-old Yeshaneh had to contend with misfortune and fell at the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships in Poland, with just over three kilometres remaining, which took her out of medal contention although she recovered quickly to finish fifth.

While the elite runners will be at the start line at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, amateurs across the world will join the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon using the new Airtel Delhi Half Marathon Mobile App. The participants can run from the convenience of their own location, anytime between November 25 and November 29.

Shri Kiren Rijiju, Hon’ble Minister Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt of India, said "Sport has always been a symbol of optimism, and we look forward to the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon on Nov. 29. We extend our full support to this event that is India’s pride and welcome the world’s best athletes to our capital city. The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon is representative of a healthier and fitter nation and reinforces the vision of the Fit India movement. I would encourage each and every one of you to participate from the safety & security of your own surroundings.”

Vani Venkatesh, CEO – Delhi NCR, Bharti Airtel, said “The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon has donned a contemporary avatar in sync with the current times to ensure the safety of all. But what hasn’t changed is the spirit of running and the resolve, enthusiasm of the participants. We wish a safe race to all the runners, participating safely from the convenience of their current locations. Once again, we are committed to providing the digital backbone to host one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. At Airtel, we feel truly privileged and humbled to be a part of this effort.”

Ravi Mital, Secretary of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, said “During the times of Covid-19, an event like the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon provides a good opportunity for our entire sporting community to come together and take us forward. These sporting events are part of our Fit India Movement. Running is not only about one's physical fitness, but it's also about mental toughness, and it’s a perfect opportunity for the family to come forward for a healthy lifestyle, therefore I request Procam International to organize more such marathons before the Olympics so that our athletes have an opportunity to strengthen their minds as well. I would like to extend my best wishes for the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon.”

Adille Sumariwalla, Athletics Federation of India (AFI) President, said “The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon is going to be the launch of Indian athletics towards the Olympic Games. ADHM marks the resurgence of the competition calendar for India and I really want to thank Procam International for giving the opportunity to our athletes to get into competitive mode, which will put them in good stead for the Olympic Games. And in my estimation, we will have a couple of new Indian records and they will give a fitting fight to the best in the world at ADHM 2020.”

Abhinav Bindra, Olympic Gold Medallist and ADHM 2020 Event Ambassador, said “The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon is a historic moment post the start of the pandemic. This is a very important event. We have slowly seen sports resume in different parts of the world and now it’s wonderful to see that we will have ADHM happening in Delhi. I must commend the organisers for showing the courage and determination to conduct the event in extremely challenging times. It’s also wonderful to see the innovation that the event is introducing to get people together. This event will be the benchmark for all tournaments that will be held in the future.”

Rahul Bose, Film Actor and Director, said “I am awestruck at the way Procam International has never taken a step back in the face of the pandemic and how it has always stayed loyal to the followers of ADHM and all their events across the calendar. To have the elite runners actually running on the course of ADHM is a miracle and it's fantastic, but the stroke of genius is that now people can run the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon without being in Delhi. Now, the people can feel a part of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon from anywhere in the country.”

COVID - SECURE RACE

The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon will follow the highest level of safety-standards, with bio-secure zones to ensure a COVID free race for the elite runners. All mandatory protocols in line with the advisory issued by the Government of India have been laid out for the event crew, vendors and suppliers, Elite Athletes, Media and all guests.

The details were announced by Dr. Sandeep Jain, Medical Director of ADHM 2020 along with Promoters Procam International.

Bio Secure Zones: For Elites Athletes at Le Meridien, Event’s Hospitality Partner. At the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for Media, Television Crew and Guests and Dignitaries on Race Day. Entry to the Bio Secure Zones shall be restricted only to authorized personnel.

COVID Tests: All members travelling to Delhi, including the international elites will carry a COVID negative test. There will be two rounds of Tests before race day, to ensure complete safety and security of the athletes. The Venue team shall also go through a round of Tests before race day, to ensure everyone present at the venue on race day is safe. Daily Temperature checks, Oximeters checks and COVID Inspectors shall be designated to ensure that all protocols are followed.

Sanitization: Isolation areas will be set-up at the Venue and medical team from Max Hospitals - Medical Partner, shall ensure all necessary precautions and protocols are followed. Hand Sanitizers shall be installed at specific entry points at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Pre-race day: Strict Sanitization steps shall be taken to ensure that from Friday onwards entry is restricted and isolated in the Bio Secured zones. Saturday shall be treated as an Isolation Day.

Race Day, everyone will be subject to Temperature Checks and Oximeter Checks before entry.

ANTI-POLLUTION MEASURES

The initiatives undertaken for the last few years at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon proved their efficacy and the implementations have been continued this year.

● Patented ecologically safe technology to be used: Low power-pulsed Wifi waves to be concentrated over the course to catalyse clearance of air pollutants primarily through dry deposition. Devic Earth’s Pure Skies technology uses pulsed Wi-Fi to safely and effectively reduce air pollution over large areas, typically by 50-60% outdoors.

● Entire course to be washed with ecologically safe reagents. The deployment schedule is being diligently followed and dust hot spots identified for extensive spraying.

AIRTEL DELHI HALF MARATHON MOBILE APP, was launched by Sportsman/Actor/Director Rahul Bose along with the running fraternity, who will run from different parts of India.

This specialized event app is boosted with an array of features for an enhanced running experience. This includes - timing and distance tracker, interactive race route map that will guide through the entire race route, inspiring audio soundscapes that capture the essence of Delhi, upbeat commentary from noted athletics commentator Tim Hutchings. A personalised E-BIB, E-Medal and Access to the amateur leaderboard.

For this edition, participants will have the option of running through the ADHM race week i.e. 25th-29th November 2020, using ADHM app. i.e. from 0000 hrs on 25th November till 23:59 hrs on 29th November.

PLAYSCAPE ACTIVE HUB 2020: Procam International has persistently innovated and strived to offer runners new experiences. For the 2020 edition, Playscape Active Hub, an engaging & interactive platform for the active living community was unveiled. This virtual hub is custom-made website with specialized curated content by – Wellness expert Gautam Kapur of BeConscious, E-Gaming Championship by Nodwin Gaming, Kids & Family Engagement curated by Niphul Jain & Navin Todi of Meltwater Events, Masterclasses on food experiences curated by Kiran Soans and Panel Discussions by Business World.

Global Active Lifestyle Brands like Airtel, Tata Motors, Puma, Fast&Up, Seiko, Bisleri amongst others are a part of Playscape Active Hub showcasing various products & interesting consumer engagement activities. This special platform is set to engage one & all with interesting activities while imparting valuable content about an active lifestyle. Playscape Active Hub will be live from 23rd November to 29 November 2020. For details log onto https://airteldelhihalfmarathon.procam.in/playscape-active-hub

Vivek Singh, Jt. MD. Procam International, said "We are absolutely ecstatic to have the world’s best runners take centre stage at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2020. We are grateful for the support the event has received from the Government of NCT of Delhi, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Sports Authority of India, Athletics Federation of India, World Athletics. Association of International Marathons & Distance Races and our sponsors and partners. It is thanks to their support, that the world’s most prestigious Half Marathon returns to Delhi. 29th November 2020, will be a day to remember.”

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