World and Olympic record holder Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia was today named the event ambassador of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon to be held here on November 29.
The great long-distance runner is a three-time Olympic champion, having won a double in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres at the 2008 Summer Games after winning the 10,000 metres title in Athens 2004.
In an event here today, race organisers Procam International claimed that around 34,000 runners will take part in the marathon's eighth edition. The Half Marathon has received 13,200 entries, the DHL Corporate Champions have 200 teams (600 runners), while the Great Delhi Run has 19,000 entries, the organisers said in a release.
In addition to that, The Senior Citizens' Run will have 800 participants, and the Champions with Disability event will have 400 participants.
It was announced earlier that defending men's and women's champions Guye Adola and Florence Kiplagat will be among a host of top athletes for the showpiece event.
Amongst the Indians, Suresh Kumar will return to defend his men's title while O P Jaisha will headline the women's field.
"This year, half marathon registrations closed a month prior to the closing date, reflective of the growing running culture in the Capital City, and the enthusiasm with which people take running now. We are pleased to be spreading the message of health and fitness," said Vivek Singh, Jt. Managing Director, Procam International.
