The Hindu Business Line : Mumbai Marathon route extended up to Bandra Reclamation

THE second edition of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon is expected to not only attract more athletes but also involve a larger section of people in the city.

According to an official statement, the Traffic Department of the Mumbai Police has given its go-ahead to extend the route of the Marathon up to Bandra Reclamation in the suburbs.

Besides, the marathon, which is slated for January 16 next year, will have separate start times for each of the three races, namely, the Full Marathon which will be flagged off at 7:40 a.m., followed by the Half Marathon (9:30 a.m.) and the Dream Run (10.30 a.m.).

The statement quoting the Race Director, Mr Hugh Jones, said the separate start times for the full and half marathons would ensure that the lead runners in the full marathon have a clear course. Registrations for the marathon opened on Monday; entry forms for the same are available at all Standard Chartered outlets in the city. Online registrations can also be made at the indiatimes.com Web site.

The organisers also plan a four-day lifestyle, health and fitness expo from January 12 to 15 at the World Trade Centre here, registrations for which began on Monday.

The entry fee for the full marathon is Rs 50 for an Indian applicant and $25 for an international applicant; Rs 50 and $20 for the half marathon; and Rs 100 or $10 for the Dream Run.

Standard Chartered Bank is the title sponsor for the event and the Essar Group its associate sponsor. The event is promoted by Procam International and is supported by the Maharashtra Government.