Date:18/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/18/stories/2006091801320200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Showcasing the spirit of the city

Raghava M.

Hundreds of people took part in the Bangalore International Marathon

ENTHUSIASTIC: Participants in the Bangalore International Marathon running on Bellary Road in Bangalore on Sunday. — Photo: K. Murali Kumar

BANGALORE: Hundreds of people took part in the Bangalore International Marathon, organised by Crossover, in Bangalore on Sunday.

For many young and old participants it was a thrill. But some had a message to convey: "drive safely on the roads; work for destitute children; lead an honest life; and make the city a better place to live in."

"At last the event was on," said Sampath and Supriya, the software engineer-couple, who have a passion for marathons. "With the news about denial of recognition to the event we were not sure if the event would take place," Mr. Sampath said.

"We have trained for this event for five months," he said. They took part in the half-marathon (21.097 km) and covered the distance in two-and-a-half hours.

Similar passion was seen in 65-year-old Usha Mani, participated in the half marathon. "I just wanted to see if I can complete the distance. I have run the entire distance," trying to ward off the physical strain. For many youngsters like Sourav Hinduja it was an event of celebration.

For another elderly person, Sharat, who is physically challenged, this was the stage to show that there was no substitute for hard work. He took part in the event to generate funds for an ancient temple at a remote place in Gujarat. "I want to sweat it out and collect funds," he said.

Children from Parikrama and other organisations working for the welfare of destitute children took part in the "celebrity run" (7 km.). T.V. Mohandas Pai, Director (HR), Infosys, ran with his neighbours, who are all residing at The Embassy, Ali Askar Road. Many private software companies, manufactures of electronic goods, and others took part in the event. They wore tea-shirts with messages such as "Showing the spirit of Bangalore," "Run for a dream," and "We care for Bangalore."

The participants of the marathon (42.195 km), which started at 6.30 a.m., went through Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha, Rajbhavan Road to Mekhri Circle and then on to Hebbal flyover, Outer Ring Road, Nagavara, Ramamurthy Nagar - Banaswadi intersection and Kasturi Nagar Cross Road before winding its way back to the finish at the stadium.

The half marathoners, who also started at the same time, however, turned back after the Hebbal fly-over.

The "celebrity run," which started at 9.30 am., passed through the roads around Kanteerava Stadium and Cubbon Park. The event came to an end by noon.

Separate lanes

The police had provided separate lanes for the runners throughout the route of the event. Except for a brief hold up at some points, vehicular traffic was largely unaffected.