Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2010

Registrations for Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2010 event have opened. The Delhi Half Marathon is going to be held on Sunday, Nov 21, 20010, in New Delhi.

You can register online as well. You can register for 1 of the 4 events at the Delhi Half Marathon 2010 detailed below: Half Marathon, Great Delhi Run, Senior Citizen’s Event and Wheelchair Event.

Half Marathon
Distance: 21.09 km; Age eligibility: Read more

Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2010

We have the official dates for the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2010. Its on Nov 21, 2010.

Registrations should open in September. As is standard, there should be 2 main events: 7km fun run and the 21k half marathon. Other details are still pending, but we’ll keep you updated! To be totally updated, sign up for our Marathon Updates.

Read below on how to get ready for the 7k or the 21k

Preppring for the 7km run
If you’re not a runner, it takes approx 2-3 months based on your fitness level to be able to run the 7k.
If you are a runner, it can take less time- anywhere between 1-2 months. See the 7km run training program.

Prepping for the 21km run
If you can already run 5k, then it takes 3 months to prepare for the 21k
If you’re a veteran run, then it can take you less than 2 months for the 21k.
See the 21km run training program.

Sounds like too much- don’t worry, with 2 months, we’ll comfortably get you on track and running! Both these plans will get you into phenomenal shape and they are a lot of fun!

See our run training success stories. To know more on how to get started for the 7k or the 21k or just start running, call Fitho or email fitness@fitho.in

We have lots of running information for you- see our running section. Read more

Delhi Half Marathon 2009 Route Maps

The routes for the Delhi Half Marathon are available now!

All events start in the holding area, which is located in Central Civil Services Cultural and Sports Ground Boards, opposite Nehru Park. Note that this not the main road and is far from the marathon parking area.

We recommend reaching at least 1.5 hours early, since last year there was a mad crowd. We got there on time, but could only start running 35 minutes after the race was started. Read about our Great Delhi Run 2008 experience. Hint: It was not good.

Hopefully, there will be better organization this year.

Are you running to be a win any of the races? Here are the Delhi Half Marathon 2008 results. Compare your running times to see if you have a winning chance!

Below are all the route maps. Read more

Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2009- Register & Training

Registrations for Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2009 event have opened. The Delhi Half Marathon is going to be held on Nov 1, 2009, in New Delhi.

This year, you can register online as well. Registrations are open till October 4, 2009 or as soon as all the places are filled, whichever is earlier. You can register for 1 of the 4 events at the Delhi Half Marathon 2009 detailed below: Half Marathon, Great Delhi Run, Senior Citizen’s Event and Wheelchair Event.

Half Marathon
Distance: 21.09 km; Age eligibility: born on or before 31.10.1991
Registration Fees: Rs 300 for Indian citizens (see this for foreign marathon registrants)
If you would like chip timing, that’s an extra Rs 200.
Route details do not seem updated. The current marathon route details map shows a date of 2008.

Great Delhi Run
Distance: 7 km; Age eligibility: born on or before 31.10.1997
Registration Fees: Rs 300 for Indian citizens.
Route details do not seem updated. The current Great Delhi Run route details map shows a date of 2008.

Senior Citizens Run
Distance: 4.3 km; Age eligibility: born on or before 31.10.1949
Registration Fees: Rs 200 for Indian citizens.
Route details do not seem updated. The current Senior Citizens Run route details map shows a date of 2008.

Wheelchair Event
Distance: 3.5 km; Age eligibility: born on or before 31.10.1997
Registration Fees: Rs 200 for Indian citizens.
Route details do not seem updated. The current Wheelchiar Event route details map shows a date of 2008.

For more information on registration,  click here.

Specials
- For early registrants (between Aug 28, 2009 and Sep 19, 2009), there is an early bird prize. Click here for details.
- Much like personalized car number plates, you can even bid for special numbers, here.

Running Tips
If you want to start running, or take part in the marathon to lose weight, this is a great opportunity.
- We’ve got simple tips to improve running
- Nutrition tips for long distance runners.
- Know if treadmills are better than running outside.
- Find out places to practice running in Delhi

Need help or training for the Great Delhi Run of 7 km?
Even if you currently don’t run at all, no problem! We can easily get you running. Besides getting you ready for the Great Delhi Run, all the training will get you into terrific shape- it will help you lose weight, gain muscle and a number of running health benefits. Contact us at Fitho or email fitness@fitho.in

Want to take part in the Half Marathon distance of 21 km?
If you can currently only run 4-5 km, we can easily get you ready for the Half! Contact us at Fitho or email fitness@fitho.in

We provide Training and Run Training
We provide customized training for the Delhi Marathon events- whether it is for the Great Delhi Run or the Half Marathon. Even if you have never run previously, we can get you running the 7 km Delhi Run! Besides being such a great event, And you will be ultra-cool among your friends for participating in this event!

Need a proper running plan to get you started and prepare you for the 7 km Dream Rum (Mini Marathon)?
For basic to advanced training plans for running the Fun Run or the Half Marathon, call Fitho or email fitness@fitho.in

Marathon Updates
To stay updated on the 2009 Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, sign up with our Marathon Updates newsletter – updates, training, nutrition, routes, fees, etc! Sign up with our newsletter and we’ll keep you updated!

Here is a list of running routes in Delhi.

Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2009- Official Date

We have the official date for the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon! The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon is going to be held on November 1, 2009 in New Delhi.

Other details are still pending, but we’ll keep you updated! To be the first to know, sign up for our Marathon Updates

Read below on how to start running and preparing for a marathon…

If you’re not a runner, now is the time to start preparing. We have enough tips on our site to get to prepared: Tips to Run Better Part 1, Tips to Run Better Part 2,  Tips to Run Better Part3.

You have enough time to prepare your self for the half marathon- that is 21 kms. If you’re not up for that, try the Dream Run at about 6-7 km.

Need a proper running plan to get you started and prepare you for the 6 km Dream Rum (Mini Marathon)? Sounds like too much- don’t worry, with 2 months, we’ll comfortably get you on track and running! Contact Fitho or email fitness@fitho.in for running plans and nutrition plans in Delhi!

To stay updated on how to participate in the 2009 Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, sign up with our Marathon Updates newsletter – registration, dates, routes, fees, age eligibility criteria, etc! Sign up with our newsletter and we’ll keep you updated!

Thinking about Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2009?

Planning to take part in the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2009? Its a great event, with events for everyone. Check out details on the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2008 and the Airtel Delhi Marathon route maps. We participated in the Airtel Delhi Dream Run- here’s our experience at delhi half marathon- beware, it was not a good marathon experience. This year, we are planning to do the 21 km run (half marathon). East African runners dominated the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2008 – Read this to understand why East Africans dominate marathons.

The information on Airtel Delhi Half Marathon event is not out as yet. To be the first to know through Fitho, sign up for our Marathon Updates

Read below on how to start running and preparing for a marathon…

You might not beat the East African runners, but here are tips to prepare better for a marathon: Prepare for a marathon run, peak performance during and after the marathon run.

If you’re not a runner, now is the time to start preparing. We have enough tips on our site to get to prepared: Tips to Run Better Part 1, Tips to Run Better Part 2,  Tips to Run Better Part3.

You have enough time to prepare your self for the half marathon- that is 21 kms. If you’re not up for that, try the Dream Run at about 6-7 km. Last few years, the Airtel Delhi half marathon has been happening in Oct, Nov. We presume that this year will be similar.

Need a proper running plan to get you started and prepare you for the 6 km Dream Rum (Mini Marathon)? Sounds like too much- don’t worry, with 2 months, we’ll comfortably get you on track and running! Contact Fitho or email fitness@fitho.in for running plans and nutrition plans in Delhi!

To stay updated on how to participate in the 2009 Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, sign up with our Marathon Updates newsletter – registration, dates, routes, fees, age eligibility criteria, etc! Sign up with our newsletter and we’ll keep you updated!

Update: We have the official date- Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2009

Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2008 Results- Why East African athletes dominate

This year Ethiopian runners won the event, for both men and women. The top 10 finishers for both men and women were dominated by international runners from Kenya and Ethiopia. Wonder why they produce the best long distance runners in the world? Read on to find out.

Overall Men:
1. Deriba Merga (ETH) 59:15 (new event record)
2. Wilson Kipsang (Ken) 59:16
3. Wilson Chebet (KEN) 59:34
4. Regassa Tilahun (Jr/ETH) 1:00:28
5. Tadesse Tola (ETH) 1:00:45
6. Dieudonne Disi (RWA) 1:00:47
7. Kiplimo Kimutai (KEN) 1:00:58
8. Joseph Maregu (KEN) 1:01:03
9. Eshetu Wondimu (ETH) 1:01:04
10. William Chebon Chebor (KEN) 1:01:17

Overall Women:
1. Asefelech Mergia (ETH) 1:08:17
2. Genet Getanah (ETH) 1:08:18
3. Peninah Arusei (KEN) 1:08:20
4. Atsede Habtamu (ETH) 1:09:37
5. Ashim Kasim (ETH) 1:10:19
6. Tiki Gelana (ETH) 1:10:22
7. Pauline Njeri (KEN) 1:10:23
8. Mare Dibaba (ETH) 1:10:28
9. Pauline Wangui (KEN) 1:10:36
10. Tigist Tufa (ETH) 1:10:41

Best Indians runners:

Men:
1. Sandeep Kumar 1:04:48
2. Kashinath Aswale 1:04:52
3. Deep Chand 1:04:56
4. Irrappa Akki 1:05:07
5. Surendra Singh 1:05:28
6. Lengoi Binning 1:05:28

Women:
1. Kavita Raut 1:17: 12
2. Preethi L Rao 1:17:20
3. Sudha Singh 1:17:39
4. Vivek Suba 1:18:02
5. Kiran Tiwari 1:21:51
6. Manjusha C. A. 1:23:21

Here’s the IAAF report on the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2008 event.

World over, Kenyan runners have dominated the long distance running scene. Wonder why? There are a number of theories on this. The vast majority of Kenya’s brightest running stars were born and raised at high altitude. Running at higher elevations builds greater lung capacity, because athletes grow accustomed to the thinner air. Many of the finest runners, for example, hail from the hilly region surrounding Eldoret, about 7,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level. This area also possesses a fairly mild climate that allows for year-round running. If altitude alone determined distance-running success, of course, then Nepalese marathoners would dominate. So, perhaps a more important factor is the nation’s running culture, particularly among the Kalenjin tribe. Though Kalenjins represent just 12 percent of Kenya’s population, they comprise about three-quarters of the nation’s elite runners.

Besides the culture of this particular tribe, there is another factor- there are two kinds of muscle fibers in the body- fast twitch and slow twitch. Fast twitch muscles are the ones that are used for short bursts of powerful movements. Slow twitch muscles are the ones that are used for exertion over long sustained time periods. East Africans are born with a 70-75 percent of slow twitch muscle fibers.

At the end of the day, victory goes beyond your genes. Its a lot of hard work and training that goes into it. But when you reach the level of elite athletes, genetic differences can give you the edge.

Either way, we need to find those genes that can help Indians excel in sport

Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2008- Event, Experience and Learnings

We took part in the Great Delhi Run in the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2008 on Sunday, Nov 9, 2008 in New Delhi. Was that an experience!

We’ve participated in multiple runs and athletic events across the world. If we were to sum up our experience at this event, it was less of an athletic event, and more of a branding event for Airtel. To let it lose, it was a sham of an athletic event. Lets see why:

Advertising, everywhere: Since they advertised so aggressively for it, they were probably trying to recover some money- in the process, the event was overloaded with corporate advertisement. There were people carrying huge Airtel hoardings, blocking the whole route, so if you were behind them, there was no way to cross them. DHL was advertising some ‘jumbo box‘ of there’s, so they had a bunch of people taking up the route again. Here’s a photo.

Like this, there were multiple companies trying to advertise- huge hoardings, noisy slogans, very intrusive and in your face advertising. Another photo – you tell me if that looks like an athletic event. So, if you were at the event for anything besides a leisurely walk, it was a disaster. We were planning to run in the Great Delhi Run, and it was a frustrating experience.

Event Organization: The organization was bad. First, we could not locate the starting area. Then, there weren’t enough organizers to answer questions, or enough directions pointing you to the Start. Once you cross the start line, there were thousands of people taking part so it took a while to start running. We got to the event at 9.20 a.m for a 9.30 start time. We could only cross the start line at 9.58 a.m! The passage ways were so narrow for the number of people participating, that there was no chance of moving fast.

Volunteers: The volunteers for the event were trying to cheer on, but some of them were so enthusiastic in their cheering, that they were on the running route, which was anyway crowded with participants and advertisers!

Distance Markers: The distance markers were not visible with the crowd. In fact, even after running it, we’re not sure of the distance we ran. We estimate it at 6-6.5 km.

More Issues: Then there were water stops, handing out water bottles. Some of them were so enthusiastic, that they were in the middle of the track. The streets were strewn with plastic bottles. To clean them up, poor kids were running across the track while the event was on. Then, there were cops in the middle of the route trying to keep it secure, but also coming in the way of runners. So, it was less of a run, and more of an obstacle course.

Post Run Issues: Post the run, the food lines were incredibly long, so many people left without getting any food after the run. We couldn’t find any buses to take you back to the parking lots, so we had to cab it.

The only upside was that there were people on the side who had come to watch and cheer people on!

Learnings from the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon event:

If you plan to participate in the Delhi Half Marathon event in 2009, please learn from our experience and take this tips:

- Get there at least 1.5 hours before time, to ensure you have time to park, commute to the event, find the start line, and get there early enough, so you’re not stuck behind the advertisers, and slogan shouters. Since you will get there early, carry some food and drink with you, to ensure you have enough energy and are properly hydrated. Click here for more running tips.

- Take part in the half marathon instead of the Dream Run (or the Great Delhi Run), if you want to really participate and be able to run.

And last but not the least, don’t have any expectations from the event.

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