Pune, Nov 17 (TIWN) US Olympian Janet Cherobon-Bawcom was on Saturday roped in as the event ambassador for the Bajaj Allianz Pune Half Marathon (BAPHM) 2019, which will be held on December 22 here.

Janet is an American long-distance runner who was a part of the country''s Olympic team in London 2012. She won the Phoenix Marathon earlier this year.

Having already set a target of 20,000 registrations in its second edition, BAPHM made the announcement about its event ambassador here.

Speaking on her association with BAPHM, Janet said: "I am delighted with the honour of becoming a part of Bajaj Allianz Pune Half- Marathon. I have known about the race, heard good things and like the kind of work the team is doing. It''s going to be a new experience and learning for me. I am looking forward to the two-weeks, the event and the Indian experience."

Janet grew up in Kenya and went on to attend college in the United States. Having represented the US in the 2012 London Olympics, Janet won several accolades in her career.

Speaking about the association, Vikas Singh, CEO, APG Running, the promoter of BAPHM, said: "From hitchhiking as a teenager to an Olympian, Janet''s journey from a small village in Kenya to a scholarship in the US to being an Olympian is inspirational. Unlike the many child prodigies, Janet never even dreamt of running in the Olympic trials. Her difficult past, crossing hurdles through resilience, is relatable to a lot of Indian runners."

Janet will be spending two weeks in the country, running in promo-runs, conducting sessions with runners alongside her husband, Jay Bawcom, one of the decorated long-distance running coaches from the USA.

BAPHM, Pune''s most premium half marathon will offer a fast course for the half marathon (21.1 km), 10 km run, 5 km and 3 km (family and fun).