Sally Jones and Ryan Hall in Pune. (Source: Express Photo) Sally Jones and Ryan Hall in Pune. (Source: Express Photo) “Indian athletes have made their arrival in long–distance running events. There is a lot of untapped talent in the country and with the right training and nutrition programme, they can take the lead,” said Ryan Hall, a retired American long-distance runner who holds the US record in half marathon and is the first American to break the one-hour barrier. Hall was in Pune as the brand ambassador of Bajaj Allianz’s Pune Half Marathon that will he held on December 9. Hall — along with Sally Jones, co-founder and head coach, MultiFit Wellness Private Limited, and who completed Ironman Triathlon in Kalmar Sweden 2018 — told mediapersons that the “myth about genetics is dusted” and “it is now well known that a large number of Indians are fast and can further improve with better training”. To encourage many more to take up a healthy lifestyle and create impact at a larger level in the society, the Bajaj Allianz Pune Half Marathon will also conduct a Family Run (6 km). It is being launched to encourage families to come out together and run, or walk brisk. The event will act as a fun outdoor activity for the family. This segment is particularly targeted towards children and adolescents with the objective to inculcate the concept of wellness in them. The event will be curated by noted coaches and athletes in the world, including Dr Jack Daniels, also known as the world’s best running coach. His decades of breakthrough research in endurance running will ensure every participant becomes better. Every runner, who registers for the Half Marathon or the 10K Run, will get a free training invite for the event from Daniels. “There is no magic pill or potion for getting fit. One needs to embrace health and fitness as a lifestyle. Stop trying to diet and instead focus on becoming fit. Make gradual changes to your overall lifestyle instead of drastic, extreme changes, and always maintain a sense of humor about things—know that you’ll never be perfect,” Jones said. For all the latest Pune News, download Indian Express App

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