Salem Marathon 2016

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 5^th 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. 

Another memorable incident to remember in this Salem marathon was a 101-year-old man completed 5KMS. He is an inspiration to all of us. May he live peacefully for another decade.

The Inspiration...

101-year-old man Completed 5 KMS

I love the picture below. The professional photographer was covering this inspirational person and It was my luck to get captured in the frame.

Its my luck to get clicked with this inspirational man :)

Another Inspiration

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.