Marathon is a social occasion: Holmes

Mumbai, Jan 19 (UNI) The Marathon all over the world has become a social occasion, double Olympic Gold medalist Dame Kelly Holmes, brand ambassador for Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, said here today.

Talking to reporters, Holmes said Marathon is seen clearly with the way the athletes mingle before and during the race. The dream run is a great way to make difference through sport, she said.

Holmes spoke on a variety of aspects, chief among which was the race on Sunday. He is one of the two international faces that are endorsing the Marathon.

Complimenting the true spirit of Marathon Running, Holmes said ''The Elite athletes at any Marathon give it a certain standing.

What I admire the most are the people, who may not win a Marathon but keep trying for the love of the sport.'' She said ''There isn't much differece from the Elite athletes as they also go through the same set of injuries that affect top athletes. They make the Marathon what it is.'' Holmes spoke at length of the need for young athletes growing up in India to have a role model. ''The kids should have some one they look up to and also someone who inspires them to take up something.

If they focus their minds on their goal it will inspire them to great things.'' ''I had Sabastien Coe as my mentor and that served as my driving force,'' she added.

UNI