Bengaluru, 5^th July 2019: In an awe-inspiring gesture – #feelthepride –  Bengalureans  showcased their “heart of gold” by raising an impressive INR 5.98 crore for charity at the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) World 10K 2019, the world’s premier IAAF Gold Label 10K race held in May. The event’s Philanthropy Partner India Cares Foundation continued its legacy as one of the largest fundraising platforms in India, by raising INR 45.16 crore since the inception of the race in 2008.

With over 24,000 people taking to the streets of Bengaluru in this edition, 57 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) benefitted from funds raised by the enthusiastic runners and individuals from all walks of life, in support of Children’s Education, Women’s Empowerment, Mobility Aids for the Disabled, Afforestation, Water conversation and Support for the Elderly among other causes. Speaking at the occasion on Thursday, Nagraj Ijari, Vice President & Head Bengaluru Operations at Tata Consultancy Services, said:  “TCS World 10K is like a festival in Bangalore. After one person from the family starts running, everyone else joins to run. This initiative has brought families to walk together, run together. It is creating a community. Another pillar of TCS World 10K is philanthropy, 57 organisations run 365 days a year to collect money to support others. We are celebrating those champions. We need more champions like this. Thank you all NGOs in contributing, next year will be bigger and better.”
Funds raised through individual fundraisers irrespective of social and economic demographics have impacted CSO’s across the country. 41% funds raised towards Education causes followed by 36% for Disability.

“Over the years, the Civil Society Organisations – CSOs/ NGOs that have taken this platform seriously have raised significant sums of funds for their work, built their visibility in Society and increased their donor base. We know that like Running, this philanthropy platform is empowering and, can change many more lives! A sporting event that is so rounded is an exception. We are honoured to be a part of this and extend our thanks to every individual involved.   Our deepest wish is for many more CSOs to understand and utilise the platform to the fullest and more people to know the difference they can make!” saidMurray Culshaw, Chairperson, India Cares Foundation.

KEY MILESTONES FOR THIS YEAR:

• 12 organisations have raised INR 10+ lakh.
• In the Care Champions category, 13 school students, individually raised INR 50,000/- for Habitat For Humanity to help more children have homes and get education
• Amongst the top corporate contributors Western Digital Company has contributed Rs 30 lakh and First American India contributed Rs 27 lakh, with the total contributed by Companies being Rs 1.34 crore
• The event platform is not just about funds raised; Sangamaworking with LGBT community and young girls of CherYsh Trust who are, national level footballers from rural areas, used the event to promote awareness about their work and achievements

IMPACT 2018:

The TCS World 10K Bengaluru is about connecting people and offering a platform to create a legacy for a cause they care about and a vision of the world they want to see.

The 2018 edition witnessed the Maharaja of Mysore’support to a proactive 8-year-old, to numerous socially conscious citizens acting as agents of change and using the platform for Philanthropy.

Education and Disability (empowerment) came to the fore with the funds raised in 2018. Programs to educate children, keep them in school (with health & sanitation measures), after school activities and libraries impacted around 34,000 young individuals. Mobility Aids, Wheelchair provision, therapies and a much-needed answer to “Who, after me?” with action for a residential facility for intellectually impaired, have been provided at the other end of the spectrum.

Number Game: INR 5.29 Crore raised in the 2018 edition, helped227 women get livelihood support; 319 Intellectually Impaired get, education, therapy, counselling, livelihood training ; 533 Physically Challenged get mobility aids, wheelchairs, education, vocational training and job placements, health checkups; 822 people on health issues like cancer, HIV; general health check-up and awareness camps, hospice care; educate around 34,000 children; and 80 elders whose 3 months of stay, food and medicines got sponsored! Innovative environmental impact was set in motion with 3,000 saplings planted using a Japanese method to create a 100 year-like forest, rich with fauna and flora within 15 years.

Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International, said,“It fills our heart with great pride and gratitude to acknowledge the generosity shown by the citizens in Bengaluru. Every year, the people of this city have taken up a cause that is dear to them and have raised funds for what they believe requires attention and monetary support. The TCS World 10K continues to invoke the philanthropic spirit in people and remains a platform that supports scores of people through philanthropic perseverance. This has been possible mainly due to the efforts of our partners, India Cares Foundation who have collectively mobilized Corporates, CSO’s and the runners of the city to contribute to the numerous causes that are associated with the run.”

WINNERS ACROSS DIFFERENT CATEGORIES:

CSOs:

• Highest Fundraising CSO: Isha Education – INR79,64,108/-          
• Second Highest Fundraising CSO: proVision Asia –INR 55,48,664/-
• Third Highest Fundraising CSO: Vidyasagar – INR45,90,004/-       

CORPORATE CARES:

• Highest Contributing Company: Western Digital Company – INR 30,00,000/-
• Second Highest Contributing Company: First American India – INR 27,00,000/-

INDIVIDUAL – CARE CHAMPIONS:

• Highest Fundraising Individual Care Champion Platinum (Individuals committed to raise a minimum of INR 10 Lakh)

Dwarka Pandurangi for Vidyasagar INR 46,00,004/-

• Highest Fundraising Individual Care Champion Diamond (Individuals committed to raise a minimum of INR 5 lakh)

Pramila Desai  for Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care INR 18,77,592/-

• Highest Fundraising Individual Care Champion Gold (Individuals committed to raise a minimum of INR 2.5 lakh)

Sameer Mehta for Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care INR 3,77,110/-

• Highest Fundraising Individual Care Champion Silver (Individuals committed to raise a minimum of INR 1 lakh)

Julie Ajmera for Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care INR  2,82,000/-

• Highest Fundraising Individual Millennial Champion (Individuals committed to raise a minimum of INR 0.50 lakh)

Vishnu B Kashyap for Habitat for Humanity India     INR 1,04,610/-

ICARE: (Individuals who decide to do the best they can)

• Highest Individual Fundraiser: S.Sankara Raman for Amar Seva Sangam INR 20,08,804/-
• Second Highest Individual Fundraiser: Sudhir Pai for Isha Education INR 8,27,402/- 

Kolkata: Multiple times world champion Kenenisa Bekele kept his reputation intact cantering past the finish line in the maiden appearance of TSK 25K in its international avatar with a timing of 1.13.48 , even as over 13700 participants took to the streets on a nippy winter morning.

In the Elite national section winner Avinash Sable set a course record of 1.15.17 breaking the previous course record set by G Lakshmanan who came third with a timing of 1.17.13 which is also better than his mark set last year. Kalidas Hirave came second with 1.16.18. Thus all three bettered last year’s record of 1.17.23.

The Ethiopian world champion earlier paced his race brilliantly staying in the mix till the 21^st kilometer when he broke loose and by the time he was across the finish line his closest competitor was nowhere in sight.

The leading group went through the 7.5km checkpoint in a sluggish 24:24. Just before halfway, Bekele briefly went through a bad patch and drifted off the back of the leaders, with his compatriot Asefa Diro leading at 12km in 39:09 and Bekele seven seconds adrift in fifth place.

However, the multiple world champion and world record holder soon got back up with the group containing Diro, Eritrea’s Tsegay Tuemay, Tanzania’s Augustino Sulle and India’s Avinash Sable before surging away with just under seven kilometres to go. His move almost immediately splintered the leading group with nobody able to stay with him once he moved into a higher gear. Tuemay eventually crossed the finish line on Kolkata’s historic Red Road in second place in 1:14:21 with Sulle third in 1:14:41.

Later Kenenisa said: “The race was very nice. The course is nice and flat all through. I have been training hard and the results showed. This was my first 25 K and it feels good to have won it. It was a tactical race and I paced myself depending on the kind of competition I faced.”

“The weather was good, though a little smokey in certain parts. But it was not difficult to manage. I had a great race and would like to come back here next year. Kolkata has been very warm and hospitable and I would like to laud Procam for organizing such a well managed race,” he continued.

The Ethiopian however wished he had a pacemaker to push down his time. “In a race like this you need a pacemaker, who sets you up for a fast finish. I was pushing myself, but that was not enough. I would have pushed my timing by 90 seconds at least had I a pacemaker,” Bekele rued.

Avinash Sable said: “I am concentrating for steeplechase. That is my event. The only reason I am running in the 25K is to increase my endurance. The fact that I have come first here goes to say that I am on the right track. My aim is the Commonwealth Games and a podium finish there in my pet event.”

In the elite women group the first place was taken by Ethiopian Degitu  Azimeraw with a timing of 1.26.01, followed by Kenyan Helah Kiprop with a timing of 1.26.04 and Tanzanian Failuna Matanga with 1.26.11.

In the Indian women’s L Surya won with 1.26.53 timing beating Sudha Singh’s course record of 1.27.31 . Manju Yadav came second at 1.32.51, while Jhuma Khatun came third with 1.32.58. All three ladies were from Railways.

The race was flagged off by Hon’ble Gobvernor of West Bengal Kesari Nath Tripathi, H H Shri Shri Ravishankar, General Abhay Krishna, GOC&C Eastern Command, Arup Biswas, Minister PWD and Sports, T V Narendran, MD Tata Steel.

Event Ambassador Sourav Ganguly and International Ambassador Mike Powell were at the starting line to encourage the runners. Later Ganguly said: “This is amazing to see the number of people come out and run in the morning. The world Champion running here and a world record holder long jumper watching the race makes TSK 25K really special.”

He exchanged a few words with Bekele once he crossed the finishing line breasting the tape held by the Prince of Calcutta and the man with a record that stands over quarter century Mike Powell.

Powell said: “I am thrilled to see so many people come out and run. And the standard of the elite field is also great. The race is competitive and fun to watch.”

Photos: Ajay/SportsIndiaLive

New Delhi, September 13 2017: Procam International, the pioneers of the distance running movement in India, today announced that the registrations for the world’s most prestigious half marathon scheduled for November 19 is now open. With a total prize money of USD 275,000 this year’s edition is expected to witness over 34,000 participants, pound the wide long stretches of the capital on the third Sunday of November.

When Procam International conceptualised and introduced the Delhi Half Marathon in 2005, little did cynics believe that the people of Delhi would embrace running as a lifestyle and turn up in great numbers to set a new bench mark year on year. Today, the event is not only the biggest sporting event in the city, but also one that has created a legacy of breaking barriers – be it at an individual level or impacting the country as a whole.

In this endeavour, it is a matter of immense pride for all, that the telecom giant, Bharti Airtel has been a visionary sponsor, who has relentlessly backed the event in Delhi, into its tenth successive year.

Ravindra Singh Negi, CEO-Delhi/NCR, Bharti Airtel said,“Airtel began its journey in Delhi and today it is not only Delhi’s but India’s preferred network. As a brand connecting millions, we are both proud and excited to motivate Delhiites to come together and run for their loved city. This year is also special for us as we complete 10 years of our association with India’s most prestigious half marathon.” 

AHEAD OF THE CURVE: 

Procam International continues to remain the catalyst that continuously re-invents the paradigm of running in India. By providing a platform to achieve one’s own goals and blending elite performance with a sporting extravaganza, ADHM remains at the forefront of social change.

•       GOLD LABEL RACE: ADHM this year has received the merit of a Gold Label Race – a rare distinction from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) classifying the half marathon as one of ‘leading road races around the world’. This new status comes as a jewel in the crown for the country’s most preferred half marathon.

▪               TIMED 10K RUN: Keeping in mind the popularity of the Great Delhi Run and to give a fillip to the emerging runner community, for the first time, there will be a 10K timed run exclusively via charity. This Timed 10K Run is available only for participants above 15 years of age, who want to make a difference by running for charity. The application form for charity running places will be available with the NGOs registered with the Event’s Philanthropy Partner, India Cares. Charity running places will not be available after 13th October 2017 or as soon as running places are filled, whichever is earlier

▪               WOMEN RUNNER CRITERIA in TIMED 10K RUN: For all the women participants, who do not have a timing certificate and are eager to join the running bandwagon, a limited number of seats are also reserved for them via charity.

▪               YOUNG RUNNER CRITERIA in TIMED 10K RUN: To encourage young aspiring runners, within the 10K category, there are a limited number of running places reserved for applicants, between 15 years and less than 18 years of age. The Charity Criteria will not be applicable to this section and these running places will be accepted on first come first served basis via online registration on www.adhm.procamrunning.in.

▪               NEW SPONSORS: To make any sporting event a grand success, it is imperative to have like-minded sponsors on board and this year two new global brands have extended their association with the event. India’s leading mineral water brand Bisleri has come on board as the hydration partner and Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, as the airline partner.

Jayaraj Shanmugam, Chief Commercial Officer, Jet Airways said, “Marathons not only test the spirit of human endurance, but also reflect the power of resilience as well as the strength of faith and self-belief. Jet Airways is proud to associate itself with the 10th edition of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon – one of India’s iconic running events. It is our endeavour to spur our employees and participants to push and go beyond their limits, in the pursuit of excellence.”

“With consumers increasingly realising the importance of active lifestyle, Bisleri would like to emphasise the importance of water for leading a healthy lifestyle. Hydration as a subject is neglected in sports until now in India. Associating with Procam International gives us an ideal platform to connect with the consumers, educate them about the importance of right hydration and let our consumers know that we care for their health. It is important to adopt a correct hydration strategy, especially during endurance runs as not just dehydration, even over hydration is a serious problem and can adversely impact runner’s health and performance.” –Anjana Ghosh, Director, Marketing, Bisleri                                                   International Pvt. Ltd.

▪               PUMA Shoe Collection Initiative : In its pursuit to encourage running and PUMA’s endeavour to give back to the community, PUMA announced a Shoe Collection Initiative in association with Goonj. Under this initiative, starting November, 2017, customers can drop their used shoes at PUMA stores across 12 cities. These can be sports/casual shoes of any brand but should be in a condition such that the recipient can use it.  All the collected shoes will be given to Goonj, a social enterprise focused to work on improving accessibility to basic needs like clothing, education and sanitary pads while changing the dynamics of giving & receiving with dignity. Goonj will further channelize these shoes to rural India and eventually help many others set their feet on the ground in comfort. According to various studies and reports, more than half of rural population in India don’t have access to proper shoes. This initiative from PUMA creates a platform to help in this need.   

▪      PUMA Race Day & Finishers Tee: All the half marathon participants will get the exclusive PUMA Race Day Tee, while first 1000 runners will receive PUMA Finishers Tee.

Abhishek Ganguly, MD, PUMA India, said “We are excited to be associated with ADHM for the third time. Running has immense potential in India, and we want to do everything we can to nurture this ecosystem. Associations such as these are in line with our pursuit of encouraging more people to adopt a healthier lifestyle. 

He further added, “As the leading Sportswear Company in India, it is our responsibility to address the basic need of easy access to quality footwear. Our Shoe Collection initiative with Goonj is a step in this direction which has the ultimate aim of shoes for every foot”

▪               CHAMPIONS with DISABILITY (CWD) & PLANET ABLED: To create a necessary stir for CWD and further engage with the community, this category will be supported by Planet Abled, an NGO that provides accessible travel solutions and leisure excursions for people with different disabilities. With their necessary expertise and manpower, Planet Abled is certain to give the category of participants an enhanced and an unforgettable experience from registrations to race day.

Vivek Singh, Jt. MD, Procam International said, “This edition marks a glorious legacy as we set foot into the 10^th edition of Airtel Delhi Half Marathon. As sporting entrepreneurs ,who wanted to get the country lace-up for distance running –, it absolutely warms our heart to witness thousands of individuals embrace running, be it competitive or for fun. ADHM has been at the forefront of change and has transcended beyond the boundaries of sport, into a movement with a social conscience.

“The success of an event of this stature and magnitude is not possible without the faith and support of all stake holders. We extend our deepest gratitude to Airtel for their belief and passion and welcome on-board our new partners Bisleri and Jet Airways,” added Singh.

So what are you waiting for? Be a part of the change you want to see. Be a part of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon – registrations close on October 3. 

REGISTRATION DETAILS:

The 2017 edition of the event will have over 34,000 running places across the five different categories.

▪               Airtel Delhi Half Marathon’s online registrations and PO Box entries across different race   

               categories will be accepted as mentioned below:

▪               Half Marathon, registrations open on Tuesday, 14^th September and will remain open

               until Tuesday, 3^rd October 2017 or when filled, whichever is earlier.

▪               Registrations for The Great Delhi Run, Senior Citizens’ Run and the Champions with

               Disability Run also open on Tuesday, 14^th September and will remain open until Friday,

▪               13^th October 2017 or when filled, whichever is earlier.

▪               Timed 10K Run registrations will open on Thursday, 14^th September 2017 and close on

               Friday, 13^th October 2017 or when filled, whichever is earlier.

REGISTRATION AVENUES:

▪               For online registration log onto www.adhm.procamrunning.in

▪               Application forms along with requisite application fees can be deposited in the drop box  

located at: Airtel Stores in Delhi & NCR (between 11 am & 7 pm): (1) A 6, South Ext Part-I,

New Delhi-110049; (2) S- 45, Ground floor, Sahara Mall, M.G. road, Gurgaon- 122002; (3) G 

57, Aggarwal City Plaza, Sector 3, Rohini, New Delhi-110085; (4) SCF 51, Opp. Police station,

Sector 15, Faridabad, Haryana- 121007; (5) M-5, Connaught Place, New Delhi-110001 (6) J-

20, Sector-18, Noida, UP- 201301 

POST filled entry form and requisite entry fee to P.O. Box No. 3634, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi

– 110 024. 

▪               For further details contact the event helpline number +91 96500 33333, which will be open from 10 am to 7 pm, Monday to Saturday. Toll-free for Airtel subscribers and chargeable as per standard call rates for non-Airtel subscribers.

PRIORITY LINE-UP: The Half Marathon runners will be prioritised in six line up sections on race day as per the timing certificate submitted along with their applications, namely under 1 hour 45 minutes; 1 hour 45 minutes to under 2 hours 06 minutes; 2 hours 06 minutes to under 2 hours 33 minutes; and 2 hours 33 minutes to under 2 hours 57 minutes; 2 hours 57 minutes to under 3 hours 21 minutes; 3 hours 21 minutes and above.

The Timed 10K Run will be prioritised in four line up sections on race day as per their timing certificates submitted during registration, namely under 1 hour; 1 hour to under 1 hour 10 minutes;

1 hour 10 minutes to under 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 20 minutes and above.