‘Delhi Half Marathon course one of the best in world’

Race director Hugh Jones feels that the course for this year’s race is a smooth one,courtesy massive road constructions carried out ahead of last year’s Commonwealth Games.

“This year there are a lot of new things. The road surface is very good and it is mainly because of huge roads built ahead of the Commonwealth Games. The course is very smooth,” Jones said.

“This year the course will not be that physically demanding like previous years. The roads are wider,smooth and most turns are thorough slip roads which make it very gentle. All the runners will enjoy smooth ride,” added the former British long distance runner.

Renowned Australian marathon director,Dave Cundy,who is also the event’s technical director,agreed with Jones and said he won’t be surprised to see record timings on Sunday.

“This is one of the best courses around the world for Half Marathon. It is very very flat and smooth. If everything goes well and the weather is fine on Sunday,then we might see some great timings,” he said.

Cundy was so impressed with Sunday race’s course that he compared it with the course of 2004 World Half Marathon Championships,which was also held here.

“I’m delighted to see the race return to its original place in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium,where it was held in 2004. The course (for this year’s race) has similarity with 2004 course,” he said.

During the occasion,Vivek Singh,joint managing director of Procam International,the promoters of the marathon,also elaborated on the medical facilities to be provided by Fortis during the race.

“Fortis is our medical partner. They will set up two base camps and depute 200 medical personal. Fortis will also have six medical stations and seven ambulances along the route,” he informed.

Singh also said that they have already received almost 9,000 entries for the half marathon and nearly 20,000 entries for the 6km-long Great Delhi Run.