Delhi (SunstarTV Bureau): Amidst rising coronavirus and soaring pollution, Delhi Half Marathon flagged off at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, today morning.
Air Quality Index (AQI) around the stadium is at 249 (in poor category) as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). India Meteorological Dept (IMD) forecasts a minimum of 9°C and maximum of 26°C in Delhi for today.
The organizers have claimed that the ‘highest level of safety-standards, with bio-secure zones’ have been laid on for the race.
Women’s marathon world record-holder Brigid Kosgei from Kenya and Ethiopia’s two-time men’s winner Andamlak Belihu are among the 49 star athletes running the 21-kilometre (13.1 mile) race, while thousands of enthusiasts are taking part virtually.
Notably, the elite Indian athletes – Avinash Sable, Srinu Bugatha, Abhishek Pal and Pradeep Singh in the men’s category, and Parul Chaudhary, Chinta Yadav and Sanjivani Jadhav in the women’s category – will face each other for the top spot in the 16th edition of the ‘Airtel Delhi Half Marathon’.
