Head honchos to ex-top cop, all gearing up for event

new delhi: It has made MDs cycle their way to office, CEOs sweat it out on streets and the wheelchair-bound aim for tough feats. The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon is a great equalizer, but for the participating dream teamers, the event is going to be more than just running.
The half marathon again promises to be a great stage for fund generation, all of which will go toward charity.Last year it raised a whopping Rs 2 crore and is all set to cross the mark this year.
With 25,000 participants already registered, the 21-km half marathon on Sunday is certainly going to be a `special' day for the national Capital
No one can explain it better than Ferose V R, the managing director of an IT firm. Ferose started cycling his way to office just to explain his employees the importance of physical fitness. "The amount that I generate from running,'' says Ferose, "will go to the Navjyoti Foundation that aids the helpless. Apart from that, what makes me happy is the fact that I have managed to inspire more then 20 employees of my company to run in the event thereby raising more funds.''
Leading the dream teamers is Kiran Bedi who will participate in the 7-km long Great Delhi Run. "Looking at the number of the participants, it's very clear that the half marathon has introduced a fitness culture in Delhi which indeed is a healthy thing,'' Bedi said.
For those who have are participating in the run for charitable purposes, it has not been easy to raise money this year with recent financial fluctuations affecting the global market.
According to Ajay K Bakaya, executive director of a group that runs hotels and resorts, this year it's been more difficult since big companies have kept a low profile. "As a result, I may end up a little short of my target of collecting Rs 10 lakh for an NGO named Child Care for Development Foundation. But then it's fine. After all, the show has to go on,'' says Bakaya.
The half marathon is also a symbol of inclusiveness. Sandip Singh, who will take part in the 2.5-km long wheelchair event says, "It will be great to be out in the fresh air and participate in an event where everyone will be a winner.''
Singh has been a part of the Action for Ability Development and Inclusion (AADI), an organization that seeks to change societal attitudes and approaches toward the specially abled to make India a truly inclusive nation for last 16 years.