Hyderabad is gearing up to host two prestigious endurance running events: the IAU 50km World Championship and the Ageas Federal Life Insurance Hyderabad Half Marathon. This marks an exciting development for India, as it will be the first time the country hosts the IAU 50km World Championship. The championship will take place on November 5 at Necklace Road, a popular location in Hyderabad.
Organized by NEB Sports and supported by Hyderabad Runners, the IAU 50km World Championship will bring together top ultrarunners from around the globe. Participants from countries such as the USA, Germany, Japan, Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain, and India will compete in the event. This championship is being conducted by the International Association of Ultra Runners (IAU) and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
Nadeem Khan, the president of IAU, expressed pride in bringing such a prestigious event to India. Following the successful hosting of the IAU 100km Asia Oceania Championship in Bengaluru earlier this year, the introduction of the Ultra World Championships to India aims to further elevate the sport of ultra-running within the country. The IAU president believes that India has significant potential in ultra-running, as proven by Indian athletes’ exceptional performance in the previous year’s Asia-Oceania Championship, where they secured the top three positions.
Additionally, the Ageas Federal Life Insurance Hyderabad Half Marathon will be held in conjunction with the championship. This marathon offers three categories: 21.1K (Half Marathon), 10K, and 5K. The races will be flagged off by Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Padma Bhushan Pullela Gopichand.
The inclusion of the Open Category from the World Master Athletics will enable individual runners to participate in the championship. With the anticipation of Indian athletes delivering impressive results, Nagaraj Adiga, the race director and IAU Asia Oceania Council member, acknowledges the potential Indian athletes possess in ultra-running.
This thrilling event promises to showcase the endurance and determination of runners from around the world. Spectators and participants alike can look forward to witnessing some remarkable displays of athleticism and spirit. Hyderabad’s hosting of the IAU 50km World Championship and the Ageas Federal Life Insurance Hyderabad Half Marathon signifies a new milestone for India in the realm of endurance running.
