Over 16,000 runners make the inaugural run of Bajaj Allianz Pune Half Marathon the largest marathon in India

• Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav, along with other dignitaries flagged off the different races
• Over INR 21 lakhs prize money won across categories

Pune, 9 December, 2018: Marathon enthusiasts from around the country congregated in Pune to run for the maiden edition of Bajaj Allianz Pune Half Marathon (PHM), held earlier today. Over 16,000 participants ran across the three race categories: The Half Marathon (21 km), The 10 km Run and The Family Run (6 km). Multiple generations of families participated in India’s first Family Run, a part of the Bajaj Allianz PHM, which saw over 7,000 members of families run together. A total of INR 21.5 lakhs was distributed as prize money across categories.

Each race was flagged off by key dignitaries and celebrities. This included Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav, Shri Girish Bapat, Minister of Food and Drugs Administration, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Tarun Chugh, MD & CEO, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, Mr. Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and Vikas Singh, CEO, APG Running, the organisers for the Marathon. The effervescent Mandira Bedi hosted the premier edition of Bajaj Allianz PHM held for promoting wellness and healthy living.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Chandramohan Mehra, Chief Marketing Officer, Bajaj Allianz, said, “We extend our gratitude for the enthusisastic participation in the inaugural edition of Bajaj Allianz Pune Half Marathon and wish everyone a happy start to an active lifestyle. The initiative is a reflection of our committment towards enabling good health and fitness movement across all profiles of people in a manner that is engaging and sustainable over a long term.”

Vikas Singh, CEO, APG Running, the organisers for the Marathon, said, “The response received has been fantastic and we were able to achieve this massive scale because of all the support we got from the different authorities of Pune. We are very thankful for an integrated effort from everyone for wholistic wellness. We are confident that this has set a higher benchmark for other similar events in the city, as well as the country, to beat. Bajaj Allianz Pune Half Marathon is a true reflection and the right combination of spirit of Pune, the health and fitness enthusiasts and families who came here today.”

A key highlight of the Bajaj Allianz PHM was The Family Run, a 6 km run, aimed at families who came and took a step towards wellness, together. With over 7,000 participants, The Family Run saw generations of people enjoy the morning. The 6 km run was complete with drums and music and overall electrifying atmosphere through the course. The marathon also had two special categories — Commissioner’s Cup and Mayor’s Cup — for participants from the police and the municipality departments, respectively.

Bajaj Allianz PHM is the only long-distance marathon in the country to have provided its participants with free customised training plans. The programs were designed by Dr. Jack Daniels, popularly known as the World’s Best Running Coach, from The RUN S.M.A.R.T Project. Dr. Daniels had personally addressed the participants in India and unveiled the event in October.

Bajaj Allianz PHM is among the few Athletics Federation of India (AFI) approved races, and the racecourse has been certified by AIMS, therefore making the timing certificate meet requirements of other major races.

List of Winners of Bajaj Allianz Pune Half Marathon