New Delhi: Amid warnings from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) over escalating levels of toxic smog in the national capital, the Delhi Half Marathon was held today with around 35,000 participating from across the world. The run was flagged off by Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. Ethiopia's Berhanu Legese and reigning Olympic 10,000 metre champion Almaz Ayana won the elite men's and women's races.
The IMA had urged the Delhi High Court to call off the marathon following a jump in pollution levels since November 6, which doctors had termed as a health emergency. Doctors had warned that running in severe pollution can trigger asthma attacks, worsen lung conditions and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. They requested people not to venture outdoors if there was no pressing need.
Last week, telecoms giant Airtel had threatened to pull its sponsorship of the event if the Delhi government failed to act to improve the city's air quality.
The organisers of the half marathon, however, said that they would go ahead with the event despite warnings that the event could harm the health of the runners. On Thursday, the Delhi High Court gave a green signal to the marathon as pollution levels showed a slight drop.
International elite athletes, including world champion marathoner Geoffrey Kirui and 10,000m Olympic gold medallist Almaz Ayana, had brushed aside concerns of pollution, saying they would run the Delhi Half Marathon which made its debut in 2005.
Kenyan runner Kirui added, "I have come here for the race, that means I am not going to be bothered by the talks of pollution in Delhi. I ran here last year also and there is this talk of pollution. I am all right, not thinking about this pollution. I am now focussed on Sunday's race."
The organisers today said that severe pollution levels couldn't stop the city from joining the marathon. In fact, around 35,000 people had signed up for the event which is at least a 1,000 more than last year, they said.
In its preparation, the track was sprayed with salt mixed in effluent treated water. The elaborate arrangement for the run included, six medical stations, 75 doctors, 50 physiotherapists, over 100 nurses, and 12 water stations. Nebulisers, a device that helps change liquid medicine into a fine mist so that the patient can breathe easily, were provided and ambulances equipped with oxygen tanks were on standby along the route during the marathon.
"My eyes burnt, my throat was dry. I have a runny nose now. It's been terrible since I landed here yesterday," said Rohit Mohan, 30, from Bangalore who wore a mask during the half marathon.
(With inputs from agencies)
The IMA had urged the Delhi High Court to call off the marathon following a jump in pollution levels since November 6, which doctors had termed as a health emergency. Doctors had warned that running in severe pollution can trigger asthma attacks, worsen lung conditions and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. They requested people not to venture outdoors if there was no pressing need.
Last week, telecoms giant Airtel had threatened to pull its sponsorship of the event if the Delhi government failed to act to improve the city's air quality.
What's the most fun run in the world? That's right, it's the Great Delhi Run! #ADHMXpic.twitter.com/E5IlAcQ00y
- ADHM (@runadhm) November 19, 2017
The organisers of the half marathon, however, said that they would go ahead with the event despite warnings that the event could harm the health of the runners. On Thursday, the Delhi High Court gave a green signal to the marathon as pollution levels showed a slight drop.
International elite athletes, including world champion marathoner Geoffrey Kirui and 10,000m Olympic gold medallist Almaz Ayana, had brushed aside concerns of pollution, saying they would run the Delhi Half Marathon which made its debut in 2005.
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Kenyan runner Kirui added, "I have come here for the race, that means I am not going to be bothered by the talks of pollution in Delhi. I ran here last year also and there is this talk of pollution. I am all right, not thinking about this pollution. I am now focussed on Sunday's race."
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The organisers today said that severe pollution levels couldn't stop the city from joining the marathon. In fact, around 35,000 people had signed up for the event which is at least a 1,000 more than last year, they said.
After a wash down, the #ADHMX course is once again being sprayed with salt mixed in effluent treated water! pic.twitter.com/tCW3jmrGoC
— ADHM (@runadhm) November 18, 2017
In its preparation, the track was sprayed with salt mixed in effluent treated water. The elaborate arrangement for the run included, six medical stations, 75 doctors, 50 physiotherapists, over 100 nurses, and 12 water stations. Nebulisers, a device that helps change liquid medicine into a fine mist so that the patient can breathe easily, were provided and ambulances equipped with oxygen tanks were on standby along the route during the marathon.
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"My eyes burnt, my throat was dry. I have a runny nose now. It's been terrible since I landed here yesterday," said Rohit Mohan, 30, from Bangalore who wore a mask during the half marathon.
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(With inputs from agencies)
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