AFI becomes a member of ultrarunning world body IAU
NEWDELHI: The Athletics Federation of India has recently become a member of the International Association of Ultra-runners (IAU), a development which is expected to boost the profile of this ‘endurance race’.
The IAU operates under the patronage of the world athletics governing body, the IAAF, and works to promote and develop ultra-distance running internationally. Observing the enthusiasm and rapidly growing number of ultra-races in India and participation of Indian ‘endurance athletes’ both at National and International races, AFI had approached the IAU for membership.
AFI President Adille Sumariwalla said AFI was very keen to get IAU membership as it wanted to organise ultra-marathon and mountain trail runs in an organised manner.
“A meeting was held on the sidelines of the 208th IAAF Council Meeting in Monaco in the first week of February 2017 where I put forward AFI’s proposal to the IAU officials.
“We want to promote Indian endurance runners at international level. I am glad that IAU accepted our application and AFI is now officially the governing body of Ultra-Marathon and Mountain Trail Runs in India,” he said. The membership will now enable AFI to send endurance athletes from India to participate at the World Championships held by the IAU. The major events held under the IAU banner are: 24-Hour (Area and World Championships), 100km (Area and World Championships), Trail World Championships and 50km World Championships. AFI will select a team of ultra-runners next week to represent India at the 2017 Trail World Championships to be held in Badia-Pratagia, Italy, on June 10. Ultra-races are contested over two different types of race modalities, either over a set distance or a set time. Examples of set distance are 50km, 100km and longer events while the second category can have races like 6hr, 24hr, and multi-day events. Races are organised on: a) trails where athletes get to enjoy the serene environment of a forest; b) tracks when athletes do not have to venture too far.