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The Marathon Flame, a closely protected property of Greece, where the marathon originated, is one of the spectacular features of the seventh edition of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, 2010.
It has travelled from Greece to Mumbai to mark the event's Gold label achievement.
"We are glad to be in Mumbai," declared Pangiotis Dimakos, the secretary-general of Hellenic Association of Amateur Athletics (SEGAS), in Mumbai on Friday.
"SEGAS in corporation with marathon town decided to give the Marathon Flame to Mumbai. I expect thousands to run on Sunday," he added.
Maria Polyzou, the Greek national marathon champion and vice-president of SEGAS, who brought the prestigious Marathon Flame to the city, was excited about her journey.
"It is a great privilege for me to bring the Flame to Mumbai. Marathon is the principal sport of athletics because it showcases human spirit and hard work. Mumbai is a beautiful city and Marathon town (Greece) extends it hearty friendship to Mumbai," she said.
The warmth was surely felt as Polyzou made genuine efforts to pick a few words of national and locak languages Hindi and Marathi respectively during her speech.
Vivek B Singh, Joint Managing Director of Procam, the organiser of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, stressed that this is a very important year for the event.
"It is very special moment for everyone here. This is the 2,500th anniversary of the Marathon Flame and we are excited that it is being celebrated in Mumbai. It is a matter of great honour for us at SCMM and to the city of Mumbai," said Singh.
Image (L to R): Panagiotis Dimakos (secretary-general SEGAS), Maria Polyzou (Greek National Marathon champion) and Periklis Bakas (director,SEGAS) wih the Marathon Flame in Mumbai on Friday.