Marathons have entrenched themselves as the single largest community sports event in the country in the recent years.
Every year, more than 100,000 runners have been participating across the three key international Marathons in the country for creating awareness for various social and charitable causes.
Bengaluru Midnight Marathon has the distinction of being one of them and has hosted international marathons from 2005 to 2011 with over 50,000 runners joining in the celebration of the city, its people and its culture.
The sixth edition of this eagerly awaited and the only one of its kind Midnight Marathon was announced at a press conference recently.
Thousands of professional runners, supporters, corporates and NGOs are expected to run in the Bengaluru Midnight Marathon (BMM) 2012 which will be organised by Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor (RBITC) at KTPO, Whitefield on Saturday, December 15.
Leading model and celebrity runner, Milind Soman and Miss Earth 2010 Nicole Estelle Faria, brand ambassadors for BMM 2012, unveiled the theme for BMM 2012 Run For Bengaluru.
The online registrations for the individual events of BIMM 2012 have already kickstarted and participants can register online by logging onto www.
midnightmarathon.
in.
The key events on December 15 will include the Marathon, Half Marathon, Target 10k Run, Adecco IT City Fun Run, Corporate Relay and the Women’s Relay.
The event day ensures live entertainment and cultural events to keep the runners and their supporters pumped up all through the night.
The prize money for the Full Marathon winners will be `50,000, `35,000 and `25,000 for the first, second and third places respectively.
The Half Marathon winners will take home `35,000, `25,000 and `15,000 respectively.
RBITC charter President and ABIDe member, R K Misra said, “RBITC’s Bengaluru Midnight Marathon has received tremendous recognition since its inception and also has the distinction of being the only marathon that happens at midnight.
Conceptualised to celebrate the spirit of Bangalore and its spirit of innovation, BMM have seen the number of participants increasing year after year with over 8000 people participating in the last edition.
We hope to see more participation this year, especially from the corporate sector.
We believe that BMM will eventually become an embodiment of everything that stands for hope in each of us.
” To this RBITC’s President, Viraf Sutaria added, “This year’s theme is dedicated to the city where it all began.
‘Run for Bengaluru’ seeks to raise funds to further better the city that most of us have come to call home.
We urge the people of Bangalorean to participate in large numbers for a cause greater than the finishing line and further improve our city.
” Milind Soman, who recently created a Limca World Record by running 1,500 km in 30 days in support of the green cause, shared with great enthusiasm, “It’s never too late to start running.
It helps you understand your mind, body and yourself better.
Every school, college and other organisation must emphasise on being fit emotionally, physically and mentally.
” Speaking at the conference, Vijay Cavale, Series Promoter, BMM 2012 shared, “BMM 2012 promises to be a night to remember, with just the right mix of serious runners, fun runners, fast walkers and not so fast walkers, friends and cheer squads in a carnival like atmosphere.
It is going to be one long night.
” V R Ferose, also known as the marathon man, Managing Director of a leading company, said that we are proud to be participating in this marathon.
“Marathons are a way of engagement and it conveys the message that staying healthy is as important as the pride in your head,” he said.
Sharing his views on running, Gul Mohamed Akbar, Race Director for BMM 2012 said, “Running a marathon takes dedication, will and months of practice.
Running is enjoyed by some in groups, by others alone.
But great joy can be found in running for a cause, which is what BMM strives to do, taking something as simple as running and attaching it to a greater cause, giving a chance for everyone to give back.
”
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
■ Online Registrations and Race/Route details available at www.
midnightmarathon.
in ■ For Corporate and Women’s Relay participation contact Dipankar at 98801 05129 ■ Cash prizes for 10k, half and full marathon events - individually in men and women category ■ Timing chips will be provided for 10k, Half and Full Marathon runners only ■ Registration Fee for IT City Fun Run - `300 per individual.
Eligibility - 12 years and above only, as on December 15 ■ Registration Fee for 10k, Half and Full Marathon -- `500 per individual, without timing chip `1,000 per individual with timing chip.
Eligibility for Half and Full Marathon -- 18 years and above as on December 15