Salem Marathon 2016: A Memorable Event in My Hometown

The Salem Marathon 2016, the highly anticipated event, finally concluded on February 19th, 2017 after several delays. As a resident of Salem, I eagerly awaited this marathon, which held special significance to me. Despite being a small town, the event drew an impressive crowd of more than 3000 participants, organized by the Rotary Club of Salem Galaxy to raise awareness about organ donation. In this blog post, I'll share my personal experience and highlight some memorable moments from the marathon.

The Journey:

Initially scheduled for November 13th, 2016, the Salem Marathon had to be postponed multiple times due to unforeseen circumstances. Delays in obtaining permission pushed the event to January 29th, 2017. However, the rescheduled dates faced further setbacks as a result of massive statewide protests over jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport. Finally, the marathon found its tentative date on February 19th, 2017.

A Homecoming Run:

As a resident of Salem, this marathon held special significance for me. I had been eagerly waiting for this event, which allowed me to run on my very own land. While I didn't expect a massive crowd or extravagant banners due to Salem's small-town charm, I cherished every step I took during the marathon.

The Enthusiastic Participation:

Despite the initial uncertainties surrounding the event, more than 3000 individuals participated in the Salem Marathon. It was heartening to see such enthusiasm among the runners. The Rotary Club of Salem Galaxy did an exceptional job organizing the marathon, marking it as the 5th Edition of this annual event. I couldn't help but feel disappointed for having missed the previous four editions.

Categories and Start Times:

The marathon offered different categories, including a 10Kms and 5Kms run. While I cannot confirm the exact number of participants, I estimate that around 400 individuals took part in the 10Kms category. The reporting time for all participants was set for 5:00 AM, with the 21.5 KMS category flagged off from the Gandhi Stadium at 5.30 a.m. The 10Kms and 5Kms races commenced promptly at 5.45 AM and 6:00 AM, respectively.

An Unforgettable Experience:

Unlike larger marathons in cities like Bangalore, Salem's marathon lacked the grandeur of extensive spectatorship, big sponsors, and lively musical performances. Nevertheless, every stride I took during the race felt more meaningful because I was running on my home turf. The Salem Marathon offers an experience that every runner from Salem should embrace and cherish.

An Inspiring Moment:

Among the many memorable incidents from the Salem Marathon, one stands out: a 101-year-old man completed the 5Kms race. His determination and resilience serve as an inspiration to all of us, reminding us that age is no barrier to achieving greatness. May he continue to live a peaceful life for many more years to come.

The Inspiration...

The 5Kms race witnessed an incredible feat as a remarkable 101-year-old man crossed the finish line. The photograph below captures this inspiring moment, and I feel fortunate to have been captured in the frame alongside this extraordinary man.

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

Another Inspiration

Uncontrolled Traffic: A Safety Concern in the Salem Marathon
One aspect of the Salem Marathon that left me disappointed was the lack of traffic control. Despite the early hours of the event, buses and hazardous lorries continued to operate alongside the runners. This created potential risks and dangers for the participants. I couldn't help but wonder why the organizers didn't address this issue. Some of the routes even passed through residential areas, where I found amusement in observing the curious expressions of dogs along the way.

Looking ahead, I am confident that the Rotary Club of Salem will once again organize the 6th edition of the Salem Marathon in 2017. Scheduled for November, I encourage my readers from Salem, Erode, and Namakkal to take a break from their daily routines and consider participating in this remarkable event. Running a marathon at least once in your lifetime is an experience that holds great value and is truly worth the effort.