Hurdles legend Moses named event ambassador of Mumbai Marathon

The United States' legendary track and field athlete Edwin Moses was on Wednesday named the international event ambassador of the 13th edition of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, to be held here on January 17.

Moses, 60, won gold medals in the 400 metre hurdles at the 1976 in Montreal and 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Between 1977 and 1987, he won 107 consecutive finals (122 consecutive races) and set the world record in his event four times.

In addition to his running, Moses was also an innovative reformer in the areas of Olympic eligibility and drug testing. In 2000, he was elected the first chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, an international service organisation of world-class athletes.

"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," Moses said in a message.

"I have admired long distance runners and the challenge, perseverance it takes to run 42km or 22km (half marathon) is remarkable and highly commendable. 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," Moses said.

Asia's richest marathon with a prize money of $3,77,000, Mumbai marathon will witness an array of Indian and international athletes participating for the top honour.

A total of 40,285 runners will participate from different corners of the world.

Leading the international pack will be record holders, Uganda's Jackson Kiprop (men) and Kenyan Valentine Kipketer (women).

Among the Indians, trio of O.P. Jaisha, Lalita Babar and Sudha Singh will lead the race.