Delhi warms up for half marathon

To flaunt their sporting spirits on tracks, about 18,341 participants having registered themselves so far for the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (ADHM). ‘‘Many rush in at the last minute,’’ said Vivek Singh, director, Procam International, the event’s promoters, ‘‘and hence the count is still on.’’ Addressing media persons, Singh said that with this forth edition of the DHM, the aim is to surpass Rs 147 lakh that was raised last year. About 50 NGOs will be supported through the charity, collected through the NGO Concern India. Said Singh, ‘‘36 companies have fielded about 43 teams for the corporate challenge during the run and 27 people have registered themselves to run as a dream team — which requires that the team raise more than a lakh for a cause of their choice.’’ Prashant Rao, member of a dream team, said his team has already collected Rs 1 lakh and wishes to contribute for the treatment of children with cancer. Another team has fielded about 30 people to raise money for Bihar relief fund. To be flagged off by Bharti Airtel chairperson Sunil Bharti Mittal on November 9, 2008, this event has other reasons to lure participants than just good health. While the total prize money is $ 2,10,000, the Indian winner also has access to a prize money set aside for one.