Lahore Marathon likely to set new Benchmark
'Pakistan Times' Sports Desk

LAHORE: Lahore Marathon on January 14th would set off a hectic year long programme of marathon races around the world says Ladbrooke, the renowned Race Director, now on a third consecutive assignment to supervise the elite sporting event in Pakistan.

Ladbrooke, the Scottish Race Director of the 3rd International Lahore Marathon 2007, who was in Pakistan last week on a brief visit once again, heads a team of eminent racing officials to supervise and finalise all technical matters of the race. His name has become almost synonymous with the race here and the affable and stocky Ladbrooke is by now a familiar figure among the local sporting circles and marathon organisers.

Accompanied by his equally popular Assistant Race Director Rupinder Singh, he spent two busy days in Lahore holding discussions with local officials and organisers and carrying out the essential route survey for the race. Both of them will be back again at least ten days ahead of the event to take charge of their assignment.

Ian has a Diploma in Sports Psychology 2001 and his early schooling was in Finham Park School, Coventry 1971-1978. His Support Team which is in the process of finalisation includes Hugh Jones, Secretary, AIMS (Association of International Marathons), Bill Reynolds, Start/Finish Director, London Marathon, 1999 - 2004, Gavin Lightwood, Director, 10 km Course Director, Edinburgh Marathon and Site Manager, European Cross Country and Tim Hutchins, Elite Coordinator London /TV Commentator, London & Mumbai Marathons.

Ian has garnered many distinctions including Great Britain Marathon Team Manager, IAAF Registered Athletes Representative, 2001-2004, Registered with Athletics Kenya as Coach & Manager, 1998 to date and UK Athletics Level 4, Senior Coach Marathon Running. He has been the Elite Manager for both Pune International Marathon and Bangalore 10km, May 2007.

Ian was also the Assistant Race Director of Ras Al Khaima Half Marathon, February 2007, Race Director, Half Marathon 2006, Hanoi, Event Director, Half Marathon 2005/2004, Edinburgh, Elite Athlete Director, Half Marathon 2005, Delhi, Race Director, Lahore International Marathon 2005-2007, Elite Coordinator & Technical Consultant, Toronto Marathon 2005, Elite Coordinator, Pune Marathon 2005, Elite Director, Mumbai Marathon 2004, Race Director, Edinburgh Marathon 2004, Elite Coordinator, Beirut Marathon 2003 to date, Technical Advisor, Beirut Marathon 2003/2005, Elite Coordinator, Istanbul Marathon 2002 to date, Technical Director, Liverpool 10k 2002 to date, Race Director, Abu Dhabi Half Marathon 2002/2004, Elite Coordinator, Pyong Yang Marathon 2001-2004 and Elite Director/Consultant, Dubai Marathon 2001-2003.

Ian Ladbrooke also runs Edge Fitness UK & Ethical Athletics Ltd., the two companies are involved in athletics and fitness training such as coaching top sportsmen and women, aiding international events (road running) and charities in sporting ventures, working as athletics agent to Kenyan and European athletes, organizing large athletics events and many more areas.

In an interview before his departure, Ian Ladbrooke, spoke about the coming event and his earlier visits expressing his special bond, which he has developed with Pakistan.

“I always look forward to my Pakistan visits and enjoy my stay among the wonderful people here,” he said. “I have never felt a stranger and the city of Lahore has so much to offer to make it very special,” he is quick to add. Then turning to the race he said, “Although the marathons are now a year long activity around the world, Lahore Marathon 2007, is the first significant event of the year.

Apart from heralding the ‘Visit Pakistan Year 2007’ it will also set off the international marathon calendar of the year.” Talking of the current year, he said the last significant race was on 10th December at Honolulu, preceded by the Pune Marathon on November 6. The hectic calendar of marathons after Lahore event sets off followed by Mumbai Marathon and Dubai Marathons in the same month (January) followed by Hong Kong (March) and in other major cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and North America.

Ladbrooke during his stay also met with officials of the Athletic Federation (AFP) and others to discuss various matters regarding the coming marathon race related to its preparations. He also participated in the first full-scale meeting headed by District Nazim Mian Amer Mahmood and Chairman Task Force of the Chief Minister Ghouse Akbar, besides holding in-depth discussion with the Event Managers, Publicis.

Asked about his views on the coming race, he was quite hopeful that given the present ideal conditions and the top quality of the expected elite runners, the 3rd International Lahore Marathon is likely to return a better timing than the earlier two races.

He also expects a much better performance from local competitors to improve their pervious record. Other than that, he also expects the 3rd edition to be a much bigger, much better and more efficiently organised event than the earlier two races. This optimism is based on the experience gained from the past races and lessons learnt to plug any weak areas.●