The TCS New York City Marathon, the largest marathon in the world with 52,811 finishers in 2018, has appointed Active Holiday Company as an official tour operator in India. In the 49 years of the race’s history, this is the first time New York Road Runners (NYRR), the organisers of the TCS New York City Marathon, has appointed an Indian company to promote and popularise the race amongst Indian marathon runners.
The TCS New York City Marathon works with tour operators in 51 countries. India ranks in the top 20 markets in terms of the number of runners who travel to New York to run the race, many of who aspire to complete of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
The Abbott World Marathon Majors (AWMM) is a grand slam of marathons where participants run a full marathon in six of the world’s best-known races: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. Runners who complete all six races are awarded the prestigious ‘Six Star Medal’ and finishers are featured on the AWMM website.
Michael Capiraso, President & CEO, NYRR said, “We’re excited to welcome Active Holiday Company as an official International Tour Operator for the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon and are eager to further engage with the running community in India through this partnership. We look forward to hosting this year’s runners from India and wish them all the best as they begin their incredible journey to the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon.”
According to Procam International the size of India’s Marathon business is pegged at US$200mn.
Gauri Jayaram, Founder, Active Holiday Company said, “We are incredibly proud to be part of the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon, one of the world’s greatest marathons! Since 2014, we have served hundreds of Indians running International races and we believe that we have tremendous value to add to the runners’ experience, which is the ultimate aim of NYRR as well.”
In addition to guaranteed entry, registering for the TCS New York City Marathon through an international tour operator provides hassle–free travel arrangements, giving runners the chance to focus on their race. Runners will also have the opportunity to meet and interact with other participants from across the nations who form part of the Indian contingent.
Marathon Tour Operating first emerged as a business in the USA about 40 years ago. Since then a niche of travel organizations have emerged offering expertise and comfort to runners by helping them plan their marathon journeys as well as helping cities and countries popularize this type of tourism. Active Holiday Company is the pioneer of marathon tours in India and is the undeniable leader of the segment. The TCS New York City Marathon is the sixth Abbott World Marathon Major to appoint Active Holiday Company, making it the only company that represents all the six races in India.
