New Delhi: More than 32,000 runners from across India and different corners of the world will converge in the Capital on Sunday to take part in the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, a running event that helps improve the lives of thousands of individuals through donations raised.
The participants will gather at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
While the Procam International promoted event continues to place emphasis on the sport of distance running, charity has been a fundamental area of focus at each edition. New Philanthropy Partner India Cares Foundation is taking forward this year's undertaking at ADHM through a host of initiatives.
Through the efforts of the Philanthropy Partner, NGOs and individuals realise that they can support a cause they want to bring about a change to by fundraising, going beyond assistance through donations alone. Through the combined effort of the organisers, NGOs and, of course, the participants and donors, people have come to recognise that the Delhi Half Marathon is an event that combines the spirit of sportsmanship with that of charity.
Runners are motivated by the spirit to compete, but even more so by the knowledge that their physical efforts will result in positive change for countless people less fortunate than they are.
"We are delighted to be the Philanthropy Partner of the event, supporting the good causes in North India. It is also a great pleasure to see organisations, companies and individuals coming forward through the event's platform to support the wonderful work being done by the registered good causes," said Murray Culshaw, Chairperson, India Cares Foundation.
The event has progressed from 27 participating NGOs in its first year to over 95 in 2014, the 7th edition. Last year over Rs. 4.15 crore was raised. This year the event has already helped raise Rs.3.5 crore and it is still counting.
At this time, 86 teams fielded by 60 organisations have registered to run. 25 Dream Makers raising a minimum of Rs. 1.5 lakh, 9 Dream Challengers raising a minimum of Rs. 4 lakh, and 5 Youth Challenge teams with 17 children are associated with the 2014 edition.
Nalina Suresh, Corporate woman and a distance runner said, "I would like to thank India cares Foundation, the Philanthropy partner of Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, for making this annual event, a great platform to connect with."
The youngest of individual runners who have dedicated time and effort into raising impressive sums is 15-year-old Wayne Andrady, a student of Mount St. Mary's, Delhi, apart from individuals such as Tamana Chona, winner of Dr. Batra's Positive Health Award, who despite her physical limitations is associated with NGO work in whatever capacity possible; business woman and fitness enthusiast Nalina Suresh, and model Sonalika Sahay.
