Christie to be brand ambassador of Marathon

Yajuvindra Singh Bilkha, Head, Corporate Affairs (India) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), told reporters that Christie would be in the city from May 24 to promote the event.

Christie was the only athlete from Britain to have won gold medals in the 100 meters at all four major competitions open to British athletes - the Olympics Games, the World Championships, the European Championships and the Commonwealth Games, Yajuvindra said.

He was the first European to break 10-second barrier in 100m and still holds the British record, he said, adding, with 23 major championship medals, he is the most decorated British male athlete.

The event is being supported by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and Association of Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), which has maintained the Gold Label status of the event, Yajuvindra said.

About 21,000 participants have registered for the event, Yujuvindra said.

The Nation's Challenge, a unique concept, will make a comeback after a gap of two years, featuring country's leading male and female athletes representing state athletic associations affiliated to the Athletic Federation of India and Sports Control Boards recognised by the Athletic Federation of India, he said.

The Get Active Expo will be inaugurated on May 18.