Mumbai: America's hurdles legend Edwin Moses is the event ambassador of the 13th edition of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, to be held on January 17 on the winding roads of the metropolis.
The Montreal Olympic 400m hurdles champion, who recaptured the gold eight years later in the home Olympics in Los Angeles and was unbeaten in a staggering 122 races (107 finals) between 1977 and 1987, is expected to arrive in Mumbai next Thursday.
"It feels to be great to be a part of a marathon that started it all for India. I am honoured by being the Event Ambassador and would be more than happy to extend my support to all the participants across this diverse country," said Moses in a message to event promoters, Procam International.
"I have admired long distance runners and the challenge, perseverance it takes to run 42km or 21km (half marathon) is remarkable and highly commendable," said the 60-year-old Ohio-born US track legend, who had set four world records and bagged two World Championship and three World Cup gold medals to add to his two Olympic titles and a bronze medal in the Seoul Games of 1988 during his glittering career.
"Hope that my presence at the event helps to motivate and encourage each participant and inspires them to reach their full potential. Impossible is only a state of mind," added the all-time great athlete who founded the Laureus World Sports Academy in 1999 and influenced drug policies as a member of the US and international Olympic committees.
The marathon, carrying a total prize fund of USD 3,77,000, will see top Indian distance runners - OP Jaisha, Lalita Babar and Sudha Singh - attain the qualifying mark for the August Rio Olympics.
Course record holders Jackson Kiprop of Uganda, in men's race, and Valentine Kipketer of Kenya, in the women's run, would be striving to repeat their triumphant finish in 2013.
A total of 14,431 registrations, in all categories, have been received so far, it was announced at a media conference on Wednesday.
