JOIN USThe eighth edition of the SBI Bengaluru Marathon will be held on Saturday evening with the focus being on fusing running with entertainment.
With Bengaluru too toeing the fitness line along with many major cities in the world, 10K runs and marathons have become the order of the day. To add to the excitement, plenty of corporates too are eager to swap their suits for shorts and bibs at every possible opportunity.
Things won’t be any different on morrow night with organisers claiming a participation of nearly 10,000 athletes. Legendary Milkha Singh will flag off the event themed “Run on Swachh Bengaluru”.
While no top national athletes are competing in the event for various reasons, the event gives a platform for the runners to showcase their ability and a chance for Rotary Bangalore IT Corrridor (RBITC) -- the organisers -- to raise funds for their charity works. Athletes from Keny and Ethiopia will compete in the full marathon.
The first race of the evening will be held at 4 pm with a succession of 10K runs, acting as a prelude to the marathon that will be flagged off at midnight.
Apart from the races, the BMM 2014 will have live performances by musicians, fire-eaters, dancers and bands to entertain the participants and the audience. Face painting, caricature, balloon arts, bouncy castle and scream machine booths will be set up to make the event a family outing as well.
Meanwhile, the Athletics Federation of India, which denied recognition to the event, stated that their concerns were more for the welfare of the athletes than on the licence fee.
In its reply to the letter from the organisers, AFI COO Manish Kumar said it was AFI’s responsibility to look after the welfare of the top athletes and wanted them to put a disclaimer that the event is not recognised by the national body.
Race details
4 pm: Community relay
6 pm: Sakra IT City run
6.10 pm: Women’s relay
7.30 pm: Deloitte Women’s 10K run
10 pm: Target Open 10K run
12 midnight: Carewell half-marathon and SBI full marathon
12.15 am: Airbus Corporate relay