NEW DELHI: The world’s finest distance runners will take centre stage on the grand platform that has been set up for the Delhi Half Marathon, which will be flagged off from the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Sunday morning.
Keeping them company will be India’s best long distance athletes as well as 31,000 plus participants competing in the different categories on race day.
Meghalaya will also be represented with a number of runners.
Five of those are part of a team that has received support from the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, while another 13 are part of a new initiative, Run Meghalaya.
Weather predictions for Sunday’s race are good with temperatures expected to range between 8 and 12 degrees during the race.
In the men’s elite race, 18 internationals will be paced by Timothy Kiptoo and Vincent Rono through around 12km in 59 minutes pace, en route to attack the current course record of 59.15.
It is expected to be a tight and competitive race amongst some of the key figures, including 2013 world leader Geoffrey Kipsang (58.54), 2012 world leader Atsedu Tsegay (58.47) and defending champion Edwin Kipyego.
Some dark horses in the packed elite field are 2013 Bangalore 10km champion Alex Oloitiptip and 2012 Seven Hills Race champion Nicholas Kipkemboi.
The women’s elite field is not to be underestimated either.
Having defending champion Wude Ayalew, 2013 world leader Lucy Kabuu (66.09), 2012 world half marathon champion Meseret Hailu, 2013 Berlin Marathon champion Florence Kiplagat and silver medallist of the 2013 World Championships 10,000m Gladys Cherono competing for high honours, it is also expected to be a close race.
The outsider on the women’s side is double World Cross champion Emily Chebet. (IANS)