Sachin Tendulkar flagged off the Mumbai Half Marathon After 2 Years

Chhagan Bombale (Maharashtra) and Kavitha Reddy (Andhra Pradesh) clinched the coveted titles in the Ageas Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon 2022 at the Bandra Kurla Complex here on Sunday.

On a cloudy and slightly wet morning, with overcast skies but no rain, Bombale comfortably won the 21k event that started and ended at the Jio Gardens, in 1:16:11. He shook off his challengers one by one, leaving second place finisher Bhagatsing Valvi trailing over a minute behind at 1:17:51. Anil Jindal settled for the third place in 1:18:20.

The women’s event was also a one-sided affair as Kavitha Reddy opened up a decent gap against the chasing pack and breasted the tape in 1:37:03, leaving her nearest rival Tanmaya Karmarkar over three minutes behind at 1:40:18. Ketaki Sathe came in third, a further four minutes down the clock in 1:44:55.

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, the brand ambassador of the Ageas Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon, flagged off the races and also felicitated the winners later.

“It has been very challenging for everybody over the last two years because of the pandemic but I am overwhelmed to see so many line up for the city’s first biggest run since then,” Tendulkar said, while interacting with the media.

“We are delighted to kick off the running season in such a big way. Mumbaikars have once again shown their indomitable spirit by turning up in such large numbers,” Karthik Raman, Chief Marketing Officer, Ageas Federal Life Insurance, said.

The men’s 10k saw a neck and neck battle all the way between the leading pack of runners before ending in a thrilling climax. Amit Mali crossed the finish line in 0:33:42, just a couple of seconds ahead of the tenacious Karan Sharma, who was timed at 0:33:44. Sanjay Zakane claimed the third spot in 0:33:50.

In the keenly contested women’s 10k event, Rohini Maya Patil clocked 0:41:32 to wrest top honours while Priyanka Paikarao took silver in 0:42:26 and Priyanka Kailash the bronze in 0:43.51.

Organised by NEB Sports, over 13,500 runners from all walks of life took part in the race in three different categories – the half marathon, Timed 10k and 5k.

Results:

Half Marathon

Men: 1. Chhagan Bombale (1:16:11) 2. Bhagatsing Valvi(1:17:51) 3. Anil Jindal (1:18:17)

Women:  1. Kavitha Reddy (1:37:03) 2.2. Tanmaya Karmarkar (1:40:18) 3. Ketaki Sathe (1:44:55)

10K Run

Men: 1. Amit Mali (0:33:42) 2. Karan Sharma (0:33:44) 3. Sanjay Maruti Zakane (0:33:50)

This marathon returns to the city race circuit after a COVID-19-induced hiatus. Over 13,500 runners from all walks of life, will compete in three different categories of the MHM, which has become one of India’s most prestigious road runs. Of this, over 4,000 are scheduled to take part in the 21k challenge, and 7,000 and 2,500 respectively in the timed 10k and 5k runs.  

“Every year, running enthusiasts look forward to participating in this unique monsoon run. This year too, we are very happy with the diverse response from runners who are raring to participate in a physical run in the city of Mumbai. I hope this positive trend continues and Mumbai leads the way as the country as a whole adopts a fit and healthy lifestyle,” Karthik Raman, Chief Marketing Officer, Ageas Federal Life Insurance, said.

The half-marathon will start and finish at the Jio Gardens, BKC, and will comprise of two loops of 10k each through the interior roads of the complex. The half-marathon (21k) will begin at 5.15 am, the 10k at 6.20 am and the 5k at 8.00 am.

The participation of various corporate teams will add competitive heft and excitement to the event which is now in its fifth edition. The event will also witness participation from over 2,000 runners from the Indian Navy.

The oldest male participant in the half marathon will be an 82-year-old while his female counterpart will be 72 years. The youngest runners on the grid will be a 7-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy, who will both feature in the 5K challenge.

This year, CHILDLINE 1098, the national emergency helpline and crisis response service exclusively for children in distress, is the official NGO partner.

NEB Sports, the organisers of the Mumbai Half Marathon, announced that permissions and clearances have been granted to enable them to restart their various races across the country.“We have put in our best efforts to make this run safe and enjoyable for all our runners. We wish them the very best as they begin their final preparations for Sunday’s race,” Nagaraj Adiga, CMD, NEB Sports revealed.