Elite Indian long distance runner Dnyaneshwar Morgha will be gunning for a hat-trick of titles as he takes the start position in the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon 2019 here on Sunday.
The 25-year-old Morgha has already stamped his authority over the popular 21km-run in the city, winning the title half the times in its nascent four-year history.
Among other challengers, he will be looking over his shoulder for Parshram Bhoi, who finished just five seconds behind him last year.
The eve of the MHM proved to be an inspirational day for a bunch of select marathoners, including six special runners, as they were regaled by IDBI Federal Life Insurance Brand Ambassador Sachin Tendulkar with some fascinating stories.
"Follow your passion and nothing can stop you," Tendulkar said, encouraging the runners ahead of the Race day.
Tendulkar will flag off all the three categories in the MHM from the Jio Gardens in BKC, while also felicitating the winners later in the day. A record number of 17,500 runners will be lining up for glory early on Sunday.
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Among them, on the distaff side, Sayli Kupate will fancy her chances, especially as last year's winner Varsha Devi will not be featuring this year.
In the 10k Timed Run, defending champion Shailesh Gangoda will also hope to make it a grand double.
Organised by NEB Sports, 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.