Mumbai: After the successful inaugural edition of the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon, India’s leading life insurance company today announced their 2nd edition. Over 15k enthusiastic runners will line up on race day on August 20, 2017.
Runners will soak in the architectural delights ofaamchi Mumbai, as they chart the course along the famed majestic structures of South Mumbai. The run will be flagged off by face of the event, Mumbai’s very own, Sachin Tendulkar from Kala Ghoda on Sunday, August 20, 2017. The registrations have been extended until July 30, 2017.
The Expo will be open at Mumbai University, Kalina Campus in Santacruz from August 18, 2017 to August 19, 2017, where participants can come to collect their bibs and running kits. On this occasion, Vighnesh Shahane, CEO, IDBI Federal Life Insurance said “Last year when we debuted with the half marathon, we wanted to give a positive spin to life insurance. We aim to celebrate life insurance by making it synonymous to health, fitness and well-being. Running today is firmly established as a culture in India, with more participation across various marathons in different cities. We at IDBI Federal Life Insurance wanted to create a journey for these enthusiasts; and today we have marathons in four major cities in India, namely Mumbai, New Delhi, Kochi, Kolkata, and are delighted to see more and more people being conscious of their health and fitness.”
Face of the event, Sachin Tendulkar said, “The enthusiasm and energy seen is incredible; from youngsters to 70 year olds each one is motivated to reach the finish line at their own pace. It’s not the pace, but the participation that is important and that makes one a true champion. I congratulate the IDBI Federal Life Insurance for taking the initiative to create awareness about the need for a healthy lifestyle. I envision a fitter tomorrow for India. I request everyone to make efforts to keep yourself and your family fit, this will change the nation;will make it fitter, better and healthier.”
On the occasion Race Director, Nagaraj Adiga said, “It’s not only about the race day, the preparation begins 5 months prior. We start with the Inaugural run, and this year we had more than 3000 participants, followed by four training runs which had a marvellous turn-out with registrations closing on the first day itself. The response we received for the 24-hour stadium run was fantastic; there were 100 teams, with 60 people running for 24 hours. Mumbai runners have always given a great response to the marathon, this year the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon registrations have crossed the 20,000 mark.
The event was graced by 21 Star Runners of the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Marathon, who come from different walks of life, but share a common passion for running. From 77 year old Khushroo Patel to Shibani, the first kidney transplant survivor to complete a 21k marathon; the launch conference displayed runners who are passionate to develop their running capabilities for a better fitter future. Husband – wife runner duo Sunil Shetty and Sangita Shetty who have been running various ultra-marathons are about to make their mark in the Guinness Book Of World Records for being the first couple to run a 48 hour ultra-marathon.
Along with the launch, IDBI Federal Life Insurance announced their support for an initiative in donating shoes. Footwear being an essential requirement for any runner, IDBI Federal Life Insurance in partnership with the Mumbai Road Runners will provide running shoes to talented runners in need of footwear. Sachin Tendulkar kick-started the initiative by donating running shoes to five runners identified by Mumbai Road Runners. Sachin also donated 100 pairs of shoes on behalf of himself and his family to Green Soles with an aim to provide basic footwear to the underprivileged sections of the society. Sachin is the face of all four marathons organized by IDBI Federal Life Insurance Marathons i.e. Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata and Kochi.
