Mumbai Marathon race director Jones shrugs off terror threat

Updated on: 12 January,2011 08:47 AM IST |
Rohan Koli | rohan.koli@mid-day.com

Race director Hugh Jones says just as terrorism has not stopped athletes from participating in sporting events in USA and England, Mumbai marathon will be no different

Race director Hugh Jones says just as terrorism has not stopped athletes from participating in sporting events in USA and England, Mumbai marathon will be no different

Mumbai Marathon race director Hugh Jones assured that the Mumbai Marathon to be held on January 16, will not be affected by any terror threats.

u00a0"Since I have landed in Mumbai yesterday I am not much aware of the details but being an outsider I find myself fully secure in India. There has always been a terror threat not only in India but also in countries like USA and England but such threats do not stop athletes from participating in any sporting event," Jones told MiD DAY.

"Even after the 26/11 attack we saw a huge foreign participation involved in the Marathon. The organisers and I have full faith in the security personnel and I believe that this year will be a big hit compared to previous years," added Jones.

For the first time since its introduction in 2004 the Mumbai Marathon will run without the support of Athletics Federation of India (AFI).

"More than supporting I would describe it as a lack of response from the AFI. We wanted the AFI to be involved with the Mumbai race but could not do much. The organisers are happy that the Mumbai Marathon has a gold label status as it is recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF)," said Marathon race director Hugh Jones.

u00a0Asian games silver medal winner in 10000m race, Kavita Raut and steeplechase Gold winner Sudha Singh will be among the top Indians participating.