There’s no cloud of smog over Delhi Half Marathon

“Yes, they (IMA) are right about raising the concern. They have issued a warning but I believe the situation will improve dramatically. We still have 10 days,” said an optimistic Singh.

The capital has been reeling under dense smog since Tuesday, prompting the government to bring back the odd-even traffic rule and directing all primary schools to shut down till Sunday. Particulate matter levels have become “severe” and the Delhi government issued an advisory on Thursday asking people to even avoid going for morning walks.

Anumita Roy Chowdhury, executive director at Centre for Science and Environment, feels it makes little sense to organise such an event at a time when the whole city is in an “emergency situation.”

“Doctors are advising you to not even go for you morning walks. It’s (organising the event ) is very inconsistent with the measures the government is taking to the bring things under control. You have to reduce your outdoor activities and it makes no sense to organise such a high-performance event in the Capital now, ” says Chowdhury.

The Environment Pollution Control Authority, responsible for monitoring the pollution levels in the city, has said there is no harm in organising the event as per schedule as the pollution levels are expected to drop soon.

“By next week, things will be better. This condition will exist till this Sunday,” Bhure Lal, head of the EPCA, told The Indian Express.

No concerns

The organisers also said all foreign runners, including reigning world marathon champion Geoffrey Kirui, have expressed no concerns and have confirmed their participation for the event. The foreign athletes are expected to land here by November 15. In all, as per the organisers, 35,000 runners will be participating in the race.

“Eliud Kipchoge was here last year and you should have heard his statement. He said ‘we understand what’s happening around the world’. He came, he ran, he won, made statements and went back,” Singh said.

“Preparations for the marathon begin three to four months in advance. You can’t wake up and say you will participate tomorrow. The main preparation of the runners are over and they will just do some indoor strength exercises before the event,” he added. When asked about the health and safety of runners who have been training in the city for the event, Singh said there was little to fear as they are already “acclimatised” to handle the situation.

Singh also said they would consider finding an alternative window for the race. “The problem was identified last year. The situation is not getting better and we will sit with all the stakeholders and see what will be the best window to organise the event,” he said.