Two-time Olympic champion Ashton Eaton will be the International Event Ambassador of the Delhi Half Marathon, scheduled to be held on October 15, 2023.
Eaton is the only one to have exceeded 9,000 points twice in a decathlon event.
Announcing the development, Vivek Singh, Jt Managing Director of Procam International said: “We are very excited to have one of the greatest athletes of all time Ashton Eaton in our midst at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2023. His sporting achievements and his philanthropic ventures are noteworthy. His presence will certainly motivate all our runners and we couldn’t have asked for a better International Event Ambassador.”
Eaton won the Decathlon event Golds in successive Olympics (2012 & 2016) and registered a world record and held it for six years before being broken by France’s Kevin Mayer.
Eaton also clinched two World Championships Golds (2013 & 2015) in the Decathlon event and a Silver Medal at the 2011 World Championships and was also named IAAF Athlete of the Year in 2015.
Furthermore, he has showcased his skills in the Heptathlon event. In 2012, Eaton broke his heptathlon world record, with a score of 6,645 points, at the IAAF World Indoor Championships.
“I know from experience that running has the ability to inspire which is why I’m excited to support the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. For almost two decades, this incredible event has seen the support of historic athletes and has brought people together for health and community,” said Ashton Eaton.
“I’m witnessing how India is having an impact on my sport and there is so much more potential for this nation in athletics. I urge the people of India to join the movement, I’ll be cheering you on!” he added.
Notably, Eaton is the third Olympian after Bob Mathias of the US and Great Britain’s Daley Thompson to bag back-to-back Gold Medals in the decathlon events. He announced his retirement in 2017.
The Delhi Half Marathon will be held on October 15 and Open 10K race has garnered an overwhelming response as all spots have been filled.
Registration for all the other physical race categories — Half marathon, Great Delhi Run (Approx.4.5km), Senior Citizens’ Run (Approx. 2.5km), and the Champions with Disability Run (Approx. 2.5km) is open until 11:59 PM September 30.