Karnataka - Bangalore   

Marathon success

— Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Run, run … Actor Rahul Bose, tennis legend Vijay Amritraj (centre) and actor Dino Morea cheering the participants of the ‘Sunfeast World 10K run’ in Bangalore on Sunday.

BANGALORE: It was “majja” and “josh” all the way.

The 10-km run sponsored by Sunfeast drew crowds of all ages. And the security arrangements ensured a smooth success of the event, which firmly put Bangalore on the world’s distance running map.

The government machinery was well in place, and the earlier guffaws (all three earlier marathons/road events held in this metropolis were an apology in comparison) were forgotten as around 14,000 runners took to the streets in various races.

While the “Majja” run (5.7 km) was all fun and frolic, with runners turning up in varied costumes with messages and placards, there was a bevy of celebrities too running for a cause.

Dino Morea, despite a cracked rib, ran along with a host of others pledging every kilometre for charity. Students from Family India Foundation (a project to educate the urban underprivileged), Parikrma, Harmony and others, all came up in good numbers for a cause under Bangalore Cares, the charity partners for the event. DHL, the logistics partners, fielded a strong team, many of who flew in from Mumbai.

The Open 10k Run was fiercely competitive with amateurs looking for their moment in the spotlight, while the Senior Citizens Run (4 km) saw a mind-boggling 700 plus participants.

Senior citizens, all over 60, really rocked. Their run was supported by Harmony for Silvers Foundation to showcase their potential.

The celebrity guests for this event included snooker champion Pankaj Advani, actor Ganesh and hockey veteran Subbaiah.

Like a bunch of teenagers, the senior citizens waited excitedly for the 8.30 a.m. flag-off.

They waved, laughed and shook their hips to the trendy music being played in the background proving that they are no less than the peppy youngsters.

Thimappa and his wife Kamala, who are part of the Pushpanjali laughter club at Banashankari, said: “Nobody respects elders now a days, so these kind of marathons and other events focus on elders. We had a lot of fun being a part of this race and also getting to meet other people of our age.”

Another enthusiastic runner Kumar believes in keeping the mind young through exercise.

He said: “I believe in keeping the mind and body fit. I walk five km every day and I am young at heart. We are probably fitter than some youngsters of today.” Their marathon was followed by a small gathering where a lucky draw was carried out and prizes were distributed by the celebrities.

The wheelchair event was also well received.

And for once the crowds too turned up in large numbers, both at the stadium and on the route to cheer the participants.

Bangalore indeed was up and running….

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