By IANS
Mumbai : The fifth edition of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon is set to be the biggest ever in India, with all defending champions from the past four years having confirmed their participation in the Jan 20 race, which has been awarded International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) Silver Label.
Announcing this, Vivek Singh, joint managing director, Procam International, the promoters of the event, said: “The marathon has attracted 1,500 entries, and the half marathon 8,000. The Dream Run has been closed at 17,000, while 4,000 entries have been received for the Corporate Challenge. The Senior Citizens’ Run will have 2,500 entries, while the Wheelchair Event will have 200 participants.”
The IAFF Silver Label is awarded to marathons that have a minimum of five elite athletes who have recorded timing below two hours 12 minutes for men and less than two hours 32 minutes for women in the preceding 24 months.
It also takes into consideration stringent details regarding the conduct of the marathon that should measure up to the best events in the world.
Former champions among the men Hendrik Ramala (2004), Julius Sugut (2005), Daniel Rono (2006), John Kelai (2007), and among the women Violetta Urgya (2004), Mulu Seboka (2005, 2006), Xia Yang Feng (2007) have all confirmed their entry.
All the past Indian winners are also expected to participate.