The world's top ten men and women long distance runners, including men's Commonwealth Games champion Francis Robert Naali of Tanzania and five-time women's World champion Ham Bong Sil of Korea, are in the fray in the Standard Chartered Mumbai International marathon, to be run on February 15.
Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi told reporters in Mumbai on Monday that the biggest prize-money marathon in Asia, which is worth US $200,000, will also witness former champions, like woman runner from South Africa Zola Budd, world long jump record holder Mike Powell, Olympic and world 400 metres champion and world record holder Michael Johnson and 1996 Olympic marathon champion Josiah Thugwane in action.
Urging Mumbaikars to participate and witness the event in large numbers, Kalmadi said, "I am hopeful that this marathon will be a big hit as it will be telecast live throughout the world."
Other top runners include Hendrik Ramaala of South Africa, Leonid Shvetsov of Russia, Ashelsir Demissie of Ethiopia, Patrick Chumba, Henry Tarus and Willie Cheryiot (all Kenya), Semeretu Alemayehu of Ethiopia, Johanes Kekana of Zimbabwe and Zacharia Mpolokeng of South Africa.
The marathon will also see Mo Erraoui of Morrocco, Zondi Brian of South Africa, Andre Tarasov of Russia and Kenyans Paul Rugut, Benson Ogato, Simon Arusei, Benson Matheka, James Karanja, Julius Sugut and Erick Kiplagat, according to Kalmadi.