As a precursor to the 2014 edition of Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (ADHM) – Delhi’s largest annual sporting celebration – registrations for the event were declared open during a press conference held in the city today. On Sunday, November 23 2014, the Indian Capital will witness, once again, thousands of runners coming together to celebrate the power of perseverance and self belief by participating in a sporting event that has played an increasingly prominent role in bringing people closer to the vibrant and spirited side of Delhi.
Registrations were announced at Le Meridien, the Official Hospitality Partner, in the presence of Shri. Ajit M Sharan, Secretary Sports, Government of India along with eminent associates that included the Title Sponsor Airtel, Sports Authority of India, event partners, officials from Athletics Federation of India (AFI), and Anil & Vivek Singh of Procam International, promoters of the event.
Commenting on the occasion, Sarang Kanade, Hub CEO – Delhi NCR and Rajasthan, Bharti Airtel said, “Airtel Delhi Half Marathon is symbolic of enthusiasm and the vivacious spirit of Delhi. Year on Year, the marathon has been growing bigger, touching the pulse of millions of people from all walks of life including health & fitness enthusiasts and sport lovers. The time has come for the people of Delhi to celebrate the city’s interminable spirit and run alongside world’s best long distance athletes at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon. As a brand connecting millions of people, we are both proud and excited about taking our association forward for the 7th year running with Delhi’s annual sporting celebration.”
Approximately 32,000 professional athletes, serious runners, and health and fitness enthusiasts from different corners of the globe and Delhi are expected to participate in the event. This will include many of the world’s best long distance athletes.
Besides the Half Marathon, which occupies pride of place, Race Day will include the ‘DHL Corporate Champions’, ‘Great Delhi Run’, the ‘Senior Citizen’s Run’, and the ‘Wheelchair Event’, giving every Delhiite a chance to believe in themselves and run for glory. The route offers runners a beautiful glimpse of the historic city, passing eminent landmarks that include Parliament House, Rajpath, India Gate, Delhi Golf Club, Lodhi Road and Sansad Marg.
Bollywood actress and fitness icon Bipasha Basu will once again be ADHM’s ‘Face of the Event’. Speaking about the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, Bipasha said, “Since 2010, I have been the face of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon and it has been a fantastic experience to be associated with the event for a number of reasons. While it is amazing to watch thousands and thousands of people participate in the run, many supporting various causes, it is their patience, determination, perseverance and energy that I respect and love. I think the event has helped transform thousands of lives during the past ten years. It is time to put your best foot forward once again Delhi. Stay fit & fabulous and love yourself. I look forward to catching you at ADHM this year.”
Over the years, the response achieved by ADHM in terms of registrations has been heart-warming. In excess of 31,000 runners took over the streets of New Delhi last year among which 11,700 runners registered for the half marathon and this number is expected to grow this year. Ratified by the Association of International Marathons and Road Races, ADHM 2014 is the world’s most prestigious Half Marathon.
Speaking about the 2014 edition, Vivek B Singh, Jt. Managing Director, Procam International said, “Delhi is three months away from witnessing its largest annual celebration in the form of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2014. We look forward to experiencing another day of sporting action, adventure and brilliance in our historic Capital City. At Procam International, we continue to advance the professional standards of the event in order for it to remain among the best road running competitions in the world. We would also like to welcome our sponsors Cigna TTK Health Insurance, Jabong.com, TUI, Volini and India Cares and express our gratitude to our sponsors and partners for their steadfast support.”
Reebok Technical Running Gear: Reebok, the event’s official training and sportswear partner launched its exclusive Technical Running Gear for the first time in the 2014 edition of ADHM.
Erick Haskell – Managing Director, Adidas Group India, said, “We have been associated with the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon for the past 7 years as their official training and sportswear partner, and are eagerly looking forward to the 10th edition this year. Our Reebok Running Squad initiative helped over 500 runners achieve their running goals last year, by providing them free professional training and guidance through our expert trainers. This year, we hope to encourage more and more people to avail of this training available at 6 major locations across Delhi NCR, and enable them to gear up for the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2014. Furthermore, each registered participant will receive a cool yet highly functional & technical ‘Running T-shirt’ from Reebok this year. Equipped with our patented moisture-wicking PlayDry technology, this ultra-lightweight and stylish t-shirt will keep runners cool and ventilated during their run, and is also equipped with handy add-ons for added convenience and functionality.”
New Sponsors: Over the years, India’s most respected brands have partnered ADHM for the transformational role it plays in bringing individuals, organizations and institutions together. New and existing associations draw attention to the trust and belief the event’s partners place in the event on an ongoing basis. This year the event has 5 new sponsors associated with the event in the following categories:
Recovery Partner: Volini is a modern day pain reliever scientifically formulated for effective pain relief. It is the No. 1 doctor recommended and used pain reliever that is available in two formats – Gel & Spray. It can be used for Joint, Back, Neck & Shoulder pains, sprains & strains. Since its switch from Rx to OTC, the brand has grown leaps and bounds, and today is one of India’s biggest pain relieving brands. Committed towards providing instant and long lasting relief, the brand enables people to maximize life, performance and success wherever they are and whenever they need it.
“Volini is delighted to be associated as the Official Recovery Partner of the leading marathons of the country, starting with the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon. The association will further strengthen our position as the preferred choice of recovery for our consumers. Running is becoming increasingly popular from a fitness perspective. Volini, Doctor’s No. 1 trusted pain reliever, will provide instant and long lasting relief from pain and enable marathon runners to recover in no time at all” said Subodh Marwah,Vice President & Head – Consumer Healthcare, Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd.
Philanthropy Partner: India Cares Foundation or India Cares as it is known, envisages a vibrant civil society sector, strengthened by a strong and vibrant NGO community responding to the challenges of inequality and injustice facing Indian society. To achieve this strength, India Cares helps the NGO community build wide-scale public support and become increasingly accountable to ‘society’.
Murray Culshaw, Founder & Chairman, India Cares Foundation stated, “”India Cares Foundation is honoured to be the official Philanthropy Partner to the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon. The philosophy of India Cares Foundation is to ‘encourage, support and promote the NGOs‘, so as to raise more Friends and Funds. This philosophy has been actively adopted at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon and it will be our endeavor to support NGOs in the Delhi and NCR regions to the maximum to raise both friends and the much needed funds for their good work. The funds raised through events like the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon leave a lasting positive impact to the less fortunate in our society… this is an ongoing process and change can be brought about only with active support from all as conscious citizens. We are sure Delhi will open its heart and support the participating NGOs wholeheartedly when they know the impact of funds donated by them through the event.”
Health Insurance Partner: Cigna TTK Health Insurance Company Limited is a joint venture between the US based global health service leader, Cigna Corporation and Indian conglomerate TTK Group. Cigna TTK is a stand-alone health insurance company with a pan India presence, headquartered in Mumbai. Cigna TTK will offer differentiated health insurance solutions including health and wellness programs that support customers in making lifestyle changes and managing chronic medical conditions.
Speaking at the occasion Sandeep Patel, MD & CEO, Cigna TTK Health Insurance said, “In the spirit of Cigna TTK’s mission to improve the health, well-being and sense of security for our customers, we are delighted to be associated with the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2014 as the official Health Insurance partner.Running has shown phenomenal growth in India, and the numbers suggest that it is the country’s fastest growing sport. We celebrate ADHM participant efforts to put health first. We shall partner them in this health journey and support them in illness and in wellness with our range of products and services.
On the occasion, Cigna TTK also presented fitness enthusiast, renowned actor and runner Rahul Bose with its ProHealth policy.
Online Retail Partner: Jabong.com, is a leading sports & fashion multi-brand e-store. With more than 1500 international high-street brands, sports labels and Indian ethnic and designer labels, there is a wide variety for a consumer to choose from. Jabong.com in association with Procam International has jointly created an exclusive limited L&M range for the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon. The product range aims to offer runners new and exciting range of runner centric products and enhance their overall running experience. Product line includes Personalized Frames, LED Shoe Laces, Chill Wraps, Mobile Arm Band, Towel, Sipper Bottle, Gel Spa Socks, Diary, Button Badges, Medal Hanger, Bottle Holder – Waist Pouch, Silicon Wrist Bands among others.
“We are elated to tie up with Procam and come on board as the partner for India’s leading marathons – Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, Airtel Delhi Half Marathon and TCS World 10K Bangalore. With this association with Procam, we are launching an exclusive limited L&M range for the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon. The Indian audience today has become increasingly fitness conscious and this exclusive range of unique sports paraphernalia for sports aficionados will revolutionize the Indian sporting scene. Jabong believes in presenting the customers with the latest trend on the racks. This collaboration is another such effort on Jabong’s part to enhance its customer experience,” said Praveen Sinha, Founder and MD, Jabong.com.
Travel Partner: A world-leading tour operator, TUI India brings with it a rich legacy of renowned international expertise combined with knowledge of the Indian market. TUI India boasts of an impeccable reputation for quality services in holidays, incentive travel, special interest tours and conference management. In an effort to Bring the World Together at ADHM, the company will offer exclusive travel packages for the participants who travel to Delhi. This includes special packages, customized meals, airport pickups & drops to make the marathoner’s stay comfortable. Apart from this, for those who want to unwind after the marathon, TUI India is also offering packages with day trips/tours to nearby hill stations and places like Agra and Jaipur. These packages will also be promoted to attract overseas participants.
DHL Corporate Champions: For the second year, the path breaking DHL Corporate Champions category – introduced for teams from companies and firms – will be open to runners. A company or organization can field a team comprising 3 runners for the DHL Corporate Championship, each team member covering a distance of 21.097 km. A company can field up to 5 teams. The aggregate timing of all 3 runners will decide the team’s finish position in this category.
Endurunz Club: Endurunz Club is an exclusive loyalty program dedicated to the dynamic, passionate running community across India. The first-of-its-kind club recognizes and rewards the efforts of working athletes and running enthusiasts in their constant endeavour to excel and push themselves beyond their limits.
For the first time at ADHM, get rewarded for running and interacting, not just once a year, but on a daily basis through your every day training using motion sensor apps, tweets, posts on Facebook, and a host of activities to earn Runz (points), which can be redeemed for exciting rewards in the exclusive loyalty program. Rewards include meeting the event ambassador, a chance to register for events 15-days pre event, priority starts, invitation to Procam International marquee events, exclusive runner meets, personalised medal and photo timing certificates, pasta with the pundits, and special entry to events.
The timed runner category in the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon has been growing by leaps and bounds over the years and has helped elevate the level of the half marathon field to an extent where all participants in that category can be termed serious runners.
Going further, ADHM will recognize the efforts of the serious runners by offering priority starts to them based on their timings. Based on the timing certificates, runners will be eligible for priority lineups on race day and will be divided into five sections. The first section will be for runners under 1 hour 45 minutes, followed by those between 1.45 hours and below 2.06 hours. The third section will be for runners of 2.06 to below 2.33 hours, the fourth section will be for runners between 2.33 hours and below 2.57 hours, and the fifth section will be for runners between 2.57 hours and below 3.21 hours. The last section will be for those with timing above 3.21 hours and those with no timing certificates.
The timing certificate will also ensure that the applicant gets preference over non-timed participants in the registration process. There will also be a limited number of running places reserved for women applicants to encourage them to train and run in the half marathon. Applicants who are not timed will fall in the general category, for which there will be limited places that will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis.
Registration process for Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2014
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- Registrations can be done online through the event website www.adhm.procamrunning.in or duly filled entry forms, along with the applicable fee, can be mailed to P.O. Box No. 3634, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi -110 024
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- Application forms are available online, at Le Meridien Hotel at Windsor Place, India Cares office, Reebok outlets in Delhi & NCR (between 11 am & 6 pm), Airtel Relationship Centres / Retail Stores in Delhi & NCR (between 11 am & 8 pm) and TUI Stores in Delhi & NCR (between 11 am & 6 pm). Local Delhi & NCR residents can also deposit their application forms along with requisite entry fees at these outlets.
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- Further details can be got from the event helpline number +91 96500 33333, toll free for Airtel subscribers and chargeable as per standard call rates for non-Airtel subscribers, which will be open from 10 am to 7 pm, Monday to Saturday.
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- Registration details can also be sourced from the event website www.procamrunning.in. The E-mail id is adhm@procam.in
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- For more information, one can also visit www.airtel.in/adhm
For more details:
Procam International
Neha Kandalgaonakar / Deepak Pilankar
+91 98921 94965 / +91 98207 98135
Concept Public Relations Ltd.
Shalini Gupta / Abhay Pratap Singh
+91 98101 05771 / +91 98184 13169
