The most anticipated Salem Marathon 2016 finally concluded
on Feb 19th 2017 after being deferred multiple times. It was initially planned
on 13th November 2016 but postponed to 29th Jan 2016 due to delay in getting
permission. The rescheduled dates were postponed yet again due to massive
state-wide protest over jallikattu. The tentative date provided was Feb 19th
2017.
I was eagerly waiting for this event and this Salem marathon
was so special to me because it was happening at my very own hometown ‘Salem’.
Since it’s a small town, I was not expecting much crowd and crazy cheering or
banners.
Report says more than 3000 people enthusiastically
participated in Salem Marathon. It was organized by Rotary Club of Salem Galaxy
as a part of the Organ Donation awareness. This is the 5th Edition
and I am extremely disappointed for missing the past 4 events.
Not sure whether 3000 people ran, but I am sure around 400
people ran in 10Kms category. The reporting time was 5:00 AM and the 21.5 KMS
category was flagged off from the Gandhi Stadium at 5.30 a.m. For 10KMS and 5
KMS it started sharp at 5.45 AM at 6:00 A.M respectively.
Unlike Bangalore Marathons which has the lot of spectators, big
sponsors, loud peppy bands and music screaming and cheering, there is no such
thing in Salem. But I loved every step of my running, because I was running on
my land. Salem marathon is an experience that every runner from Salem must experience and will never forget.
 |
Buses was not stopped :( |
One thing I hated in Salem Marathon was there is no control
with the traffic. Even though it was at early hours, buses and dangerous Lorries
were running parallel to the runners. How
risky and dangerous it is? I wonder why the organizers have not thought about
it. Some routes were inside the residential area and it was nice to see the
expression of dogs.
I am sure, again in 2017 Rotary Club of Salem will organize
its 6th edition of Salem marathon this year during the month of November and I
urge my readers from Salem, Erode and Namakkal to take a day off from your routine and try to participate in this marathon. At least once in your
life time run a marathon and it’s worth it.
Ah. looks like the writer is back, panting for more.
ReplyDelete