Pune Half Marathon returns, race to be held on December 22

With just a day left, the residents of Pune are getting set with their running shoes for the Pune Half Marathon 2019. This Sunday, around 20,000 runners will hit the track at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex (popularly known as Balewadi Stadium), Mahalunge, Baner-Mahalunge Rd, Pune. The race will start at 5.15 a.m. from Balewadi Stadium.

The build-up to this premium running event had picked up pace last week with the event ambassador Janet Cherobon-Bawcom leading from the front. The US Olympian has been conducting promo runs and track sessions across the city. In her first track session in the city, Janet spoke to young aspiring runners and conducted a track session together with her coach, Jay Bawcom. She also met the coaches and discussed broader aspects of training and nutrition.

Janet participated in promo runs at the Pune University and Dighi Hills to promote the concept of running and inspire more people for the festival of wellness on December 22.

Building up to the race day, there are two days of the expo on Friday and Saturday, where running bibs and participation kit will be handed over to the participants. The expo will also have several productive sessions which include a special session on Running Demystified by running coach Jay Bawcom, followed by a session on Learnings from an Olympian's Life by Janet.

Speaking before the half-marathon at the expo, Janet said, "Since landing in Pune, I have been quite thrilled to witness the kind of enthusiasm that the city has shown towards the event. It doesn't feel like the race is just in its second year. The promo runs and the training sessions have seen considerable participation from the localities. The running culture and enthusiasm have excited me and I am looking forward to the race."

Vikas Singh, the CEO of APG Running the promoter of Pune Half Marathon added, "We are thankful to the government, police and other authorities for their immense support. Just a day away from the event and we are still receiving participation requests. A lot of effort has been put to ensure an optimum experience. The team is working hard to put up a great show."

The event features four categories which include the half marathon (21.1 km), 10 km run, 5 km and 3 km (family and fun). Additionally, it will feature 11 paraplegic runners in the 3 km run.

As a unique addition to the event, BAPHM is also featuring the Police Commissioner Cup to motivate police personnel to participate in the run as a team of 4.

The introduction of the Corporate Cup has been a great value addition as it witnessed exclusive corporate registrations from 28 companies. Symbiosis University Hospital is the medical partner for the event.

( With inputs from IANS )