Elite runner Dnyaneshwar Morgha guns for a hat-trick in IDBI Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon 2019

by Shrutee K/DNS

Mumbai: Elite Indian marathoner Dnyaneshwar Morgha will be gunning for a unique hat-trick as he takes the start position in the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon 2019 here on Sunday morning.

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. He expressed his confidence of three-peating it although he would be aware of possible surprises in the 17,500-strong field. Among other challengers, he will be looking over his shoulder for Parshram Bhoi, who finished just 5 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,” Sachin said, encouraging the runners ahead of the Race day.

Sachin will flag off all the three categories in the MHM from the Jio Gardens in BKC, while also felicitating the winners later in the morning. A record number of 17,500 runners will be lining up for glory early on Sunday.

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.

"This is the fourth edition of the Mumbai Half Marathon and as the numbers vouch for it, the event is growing in popularity every year,” Mr. Karthik Raman, Chief Marketing Officer of IDBI Federal Life Insurance, said.

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.