Date:27/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/27/stories/2008072750130200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

A big heart, strong will and fast legs

Deepika Arwind

Bangalore: Bangalorean Ashok Nath, ran The Great Tibetan Marathon in Ladakh recently. He finished fifth among 104 participants in the Men’s Full Marathon, which is a part of the run. All this for a cause he supports.

Mr. Nath, in association with Genesis Foundation, an organisation that facilitates critical medical care for abandoned and lesser privileged children, raised Rs. 7.24 lakh from the marathon. The money will be used to provide treatment for four children: Gaurav, Neethu, Vrundha and Abila. “Our target was Rs. 5 lakh but we managed to raise more,” said Mr. Nath, the pride evident in his voice.

The marathon is considered one of the world’s most extreme runs. Participants had to go to Leh for a week in order to acclimatise themselves to the altitude. “In fact, I would head to Nandi Hills every alternate weekend and run there in preparation for the marathon,” said Mr. Nath.

Took a toll

This run is more of an adventure marathon. Mr. Nath said completing the marathon in four hours and 21 minutes took a toll on him.

The marathon, which takes place 3,500 metres above sea level, has many foreign participants.

“A reasonably big amount has to be paid for the marathon, and one needs to be able to run at a level where there is 30 per cent less oxygen in the air,” added Mr. Nath, who is in his early 40s.