'These events are absolute catalysts for finding talent': 2-time Olympic champion Eaton
Speaking during a press meet in New Delhi Eaton said, "I am excited to be here. I recently ran a half marathon and I just loved running with people from all walks of life."
Ashton Eaton (X)
NEW DELHI: The International Event Ambassador of the Delhi Half Marathon 2023 Ashton Eaton expressed that he is very excited to be a part of the World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, slated to be held on Sunday.
Speaking during a press meet in New Delhi Eaton said, "I am excited to be here. I recently ran a half marathon and I just loved running with people from all walks of life."
The two-time Olympic Champion further added that events like the Delhi Half Marathon can help athletes prepare for mega quadrennial events such as the Asian Games, "These kinds of events are the absolute catalysts for finding talent and I think inspiring generations. And sometimes you do not even see the benefit of these mass participative events until one has gone on to perform well. Just wait until you hear a young kid say that he or she is successful because of the Delhi Half Marathon. So, these types of events have a lot of benefits."
The only one to have exceeded 9,000 points twice in a decathlon event also said that he has always wanted to travel to India, "I love experiencing the world and learning about different cultures, and India has been a place I have always wanted to visit for an extremely long time. It has been such a bastion on our planet and has a rich culture. I have already experienced the food, the traffic, and the culture. Hopefully, I can see a lot more."
Meanwhile, Ritu Jhingon, Group Director - Communication and Chief Executive Officer at Vedanta, the sponsor of the event, spoke about the importance of the race as a philanthropic platform during the press meet, "If you look around or walk around Delhi you will see hoardings everywhere about the Delhi Half Marathon, and you will notice the numerous causes that are attached to this event. We are running for zero hunger, this symbolizes that for every kilometer that you run, we will donate one meal to a child in need."
The Delhi Half Marathon will be flagged off from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on October 15, 2023.