Understanding Marathon as a Race Event in Indian Context: An Analysis of Regulating Authority & Policy Frameworks

Abstract

‘Marathon’ is a town in Greece which in present-day is used to refer a race event particularly, 26 miles 385 yards. Marathon as a race event gained worldwide recognition after it was introduced as Olympic athletics program in the Summer Olympics of 1896 held in Athens, Greece where 14 nations 241 athletes took part in the games. The recent time has also witnessed that the marathons are being organized in support of a social cause or as charity events or government-sponsored events etc. In order to regulate such race events particularly for ensuring the safety and security of the participants and maintaining a fair play, the central government has developed certain policies and regulations under the authorized departments i.e. Department of Sport under Ministry of Youth and Sports. This research delves into the topic by understanding the true meaning of the terminology i.e. ‘Marathon’ and further examines the policies implemented in India regulating the marathon race events. After considering all the policies implemented by the national as well as the state governments, this research shall check the indicative status of the implementation of the same.