History of International Marathon

Well begun is half done" is in short the success story of the Pune International Marathon. The annual event billed as the country's richest race has certainly became the show piece combining the glamour and the glitter unsurpassed in the annals of sports.

Making a humble beginning in the year 1983 the event has flourished and has reached the pinnacle of glory due mainly to the charisma and dynamism of Mr.Suresh Kalmadi (MP). The vision and foresight of Mr.Kalmadi saw the creation of Pune International Marathon Trust (PIMT) which provided the firm foundation to the Pune event. Donning the mantle of PIMT the event went from strength to strength having caught the imagination of Punekars who has many first to their credit in the sporting arena of the country.

It may be recalled that after taking over the reins as the President of the Maharashtra Amateur Athletic Association (MAAA) Mr.Kalmadi was appointed the manager of t4he Indian squad to take part in the Beijing International Marathon. Being a keen observer the Beijing event not only caught his imagination but the peoples participation impressed him immensely and vowed to introduce the long distance race in his home town.

After overcoming the teething trouble the Pune marathon has gone through a sea of change over the years and became the cynosure of all eyes .

The country now looks with bated breath to the 21st edition of the race to be flagged off on November 26 this year.Pune International Marathon (PIM) is one of the oldest International Marathons and is undoubtedly one of the most significant sporting events in the country. It is organized by the Pune International Marathon Trust (PIMT), under the auspices of the Athletic Federation of India (AFI) and is now an annual feature in its calendar of events. It has also been declared as a national marathon for 2006.

This is the 21st year of the Pune International Marathon - Race against AIDS, which will be held on Sunday, 26th November 2006.

Besides being the cultural and educational capital of Maharashtra, Pune has also acquired the status of becoming the Sports Capital of Maharashtra. It has hosted the National Games in 1994, 20 International marathons, the Asian Cross Country in 2004, the Asian Grand Prix Athletic Championships in 2006, many national athletic championships… and now.. in 2008, Pune will host the III Commonwealth Youth Games. Pune is home to one of the best sports facilities in the country, the Shiv Chatrapati Sports City at Balewadi.

Pune International Marathon is undoubtedly an event that all Indians can be proud of and has become an indelible annual tradition. The 42.195 km route is designed in such a fashion that lakhs of spectators can line the route and are an integral part of the event. The entire route is decked up by the citizens and wears a festive look.

It is due to the initiatives of Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP and President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Asian Athletic Association (AAA) that this marathon has grown over the past 20 years. In its 20th year, Pune International Marathon was fortunate to have received the Title Sponsorship of HUTCH, one of the most reputed telecom companies in India. It was in this year, that the PIMT decided to dedicate the PIM towards the cause of HIV / AIDS awareness.

Seeing the reach and popularity of the event and the commitment of the Pune International Marathon Trust to conduct the event at the highest international standards, Mr. Asim Ghosh, MD and Mr. Sandip Das, Jt. MD, Hutchison Essar Ltd. have confirmed their support by confirming the Title sponsorship for the 21st Pune International Marathon 2006 – Race against AIDS.

Mr. Naveen Chopra, Corporate VP, Group Mktg, Hutchison Essar, had this to say about their participation…“ Hutch is proud to be associated with an event of the stature of the Pune International Marathon. Hutch believes in weaving itself into the fabric of a society and contributing to the community through events such as the Pune International Marathon – Race against AIDS. We hope to continue to build on the relationship in the years to come “.

The Pune International Marathon 2006 – Race against AIDS has been co-sponsored by the
National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Dept. of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India and the Pune Municipal Corporation.

It is also supported by AVERT Society, MSACS and Emcure Pharmaceuticals in spreading the message of HIV/AIDS awareness. Similarly many organizations and NGOs related to the cause will also be actively involved.

The Pune International Marathon attracts participation in excess of 30,000 runners every year. This year, 40 top long distance runners from over 16 countries are expected to vie for the top prize. The countries expected to participate are Kenya, Russia, Tanzania, England, Germany, South Africa, Scotland, Sweden, Tajikistan, Ethopia, Denmark, Japan, Nepal, Mauritius, Srilanka and hosts India.

The Hutch Pune International Marathon 2006 – Race against AIDS assumes importance as it has the approval of the Athletic Federation of India (AFI) to be considered as a National Marathon.

Wide publicity and coverage across all sections of the media demonstrates the inherent strength of the event. The start of the marathon is covered live on Doordarshan Sports and Doordarshan National. Telecast on many other national channels and various other local channels, ensures a wide television audience. Almost all leading newspapers carry news, statistics and content prior, during and after the event, thus ensuring good visibility for all sponsors..

PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF PIM

The 18th edition of the race held on 14th December 2003 was billed as the " Aid Awareness Run " in association of Pune Municipal Corporation. It certainly left its impact on the minds of the people as India has been plagued with the increasing number of HIV positive persons.

Blood Donation drive also was held which attracted a generous response from the citizens so also the Tree Plantation f to spread the message of clean environment.

The 2004 edition also was dedicated to the awareness of "Aidsand the race was known as " Race against aids". The PIMT has thus decided to conduct the race on December 6 every year to coincide the " World Aids Day".

The " Celebrity Run" which was introduced last year proved a gala event and brought the luminaries from every walk of life took part.

The PIMT has always been innovative and has many first to its credit. The list of achievements include -

Ø National Seminar on Development of Athletics in 1987.

Ø Asian Track and Field Championships in 1989 with Jawahar Jyoth torch relay.

Ø Coaching camp for tribal boys and girls in 1986-87

Ø "Run for Peace " - after demolition of Babri Masjid

Ø The Voluntary Disclosure Scheme run for the Income Tax Department

Ø The Run For Olympic Support

Ø Pulse Polio Run.

Ø ITC International athletic meet in 1995-96

Ø Relief Fund for Kargil martyrs.

Ø Relief Fund for Andhra Pradesh cyclone ravaged people.

Pune can now boast of hosting 19 International marathons and many more to look forward to. The 42.195 km route is designed in such a fashion that lakhs of spectators are also an integral part of the event. Pune International Marathon is undoubtedly an event that all Indian's can be proud of and has become an indelible annual tradition. The Marathon is organized with strict adherence to the rules and regulations of the sport. The Pune International Marathon attracts participation in excess of 30,000 runners from across 20 countries.

Year after year, due to a firm reiteration of the initiative taken by Suresh Kalmadi, MP, and President of the Asian Athletic Association (AAA) and Indian Olympic Association (IOA), towards development of sports in the country, India is now on the forefront of the international sporting scene. The Afro Asian Games held in Hyderabad in 2003 and the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in 2010 are a clear indication of this fact.

The Pune International Marathon has also seen a tremendous increase in participation by International marathoners.

Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi and Smt. Sonia Gandhi have flagged off the Pune International Marathon in 1987 and 1994 respectively

01. PROJECTS IN THE HEALTH SECTOR

YEAR 2002:-

1. AIDS:-

The 17th Pune International Marathon 2002 was conducted on 8th December 2002 and was called “RUN FOR AIDS PREVENTION”. This event was sponsored by Maharashtra State & Central Government. The highlight of this event was that it was also sponsored and aided by the German Government. More than 30,000 athletes - both National and International participated in the event along with sports persons like P.T.Usha, Mahesh Bhupati and K. Binamol, making the event a very grand success. Medical checkups were conducted before the event to check the fitness of the athletes.

A Street Play, which on “AIDS AWARENESS” was staged to spread the cause to the public.

The entire event was very well covered by Doordarshan as well as all leading Newspapers.

2. POLIO FREE NATIONAL WALKING CHAMPIONSHIPS:-

Taking into account the dreaded disease of “Polio”, an event was conducted on 6th & 7th December 2002. The highlight of this event was 20 Kms. & 50 Kms. run for Men and 20 Kms. run for Women. Around 350 athletes from all over India participated in this event. Vests were distributed to all the participants & trophies were awarded to the winners of this event. Ms. S.Pavani from Andhra Pradesh won the race from Women for 20 Kms. and the Men’s Race of 20 Kms. & 50 Kms. was won by Mr. Ajit.K.Patil from Services.

3. BLOOD DONATION CAMP:-

Taking into account the serious shortage of blood which always exists not only in Pune but all over India, an idea of conducting a “Blood Donation Camp” and was conducted on 1st May “Maharashtra Day”. More than 250 people attended this camp and donated blood gracefully. Sassoon Hospital, which is one of the oldest and most reputed hospitals in Pune, helped us in conducting the camp and looked after the arrangements.

YEAR 2003:-

1. AIDS:-

The 18th Pune International Marathon 2003 was conducted on 14th December 2003 and was called “AIDS AWARENESS RUN”. Pune Municipal Corporation not only took active intererst, but alsosponsored the event. The Mayor Mrs. Deepti Choudhary too took active participation in this event. To create more awareness about this dreaded disease around 30,000 Vests with message of Aids awareness were printed, 30,000 Instruction Cards were also printed and distributed to all the 30,000 athletes both National and International. Newspaper advertisements, around 2000 banners, Identity Cards, Literatures, was also covered of the event on a larger scale.

2. BLOOD DONATION:-

Pune International Marathon conducted a ”BLOOD DONATION CAMP” on 1st May 2003. Around 300 people attended this camp and donated blood. Anand Rushi Blood Bank, Pune helped us in the arrangements in making this event a grand success.

3. TREE PLANTATION AND RUNNING:-

To better the environment and reduce the pollution in Pune, Pune International Marathon came up with a brand new idea i.e. “Running & Planting of Trees”. 10,000 citizens participated in this event and three programmes were organized at Bambhurda Vahan Vhiar, Pula Deshpande Garden and at Hadapsar near Pune. This really was a very unique event.

YEAR 2004:-

1. AIDS:-

In its quest to spread the message of awareness in “Prevention & Cure of AIDS” the 19th Pune International Marathon - “RACE AGAINST AIDS” and was held on 19th December 2004.

The 42.195 Kms. route was designed in such a fashion that lakhs of spectators were an integral part in the event. There also was an additional attraction of the 3.5 Kms. run called “AIDS CHARITY RUN”. Celebrities, Sports Personalities and other important social stakeholders took active part in the event to do their bit towards AIDS awareness.

Around 35,000 National and International Athletes took active part in the mega event which is becoming a world event year by year.

Wide publicity and coverage across sections of the media demonstrates the inherent strength of the event. Live telecast on DD Sports, Doordarshan, ESPN /Star Sports and various local channels ensured wide coverage. Almost all leading newspapers carried news, statistics and content prior, during and after the event.

2. MEN ­SPORTS EYE DONATION CAMP:-

Pune International Marathon conducted a ”MEN SPORTS EYE DONATION CAMP” on 1st May 2004.

Around 150 people attended this camp. Pune International Marathon Trust put in all efforts to in making this event a grand success . Around 300 people participated in this event. Well reputed awardees by the Government of India such as Dhyanchand Award Winner – Smita Shirole, Padmashree – Gopalrao Phadke, Arjun Awardee – Surekha Dravid, Shubhangi Kulkarni, Rekha Bhinde, Hemant Takalkar, Kaka Pawar etc. to name a few participated in this event.