Strap: Due to the persistent efforts of city marathoners and fitness groups, denizens are starting to show a clear preference for marathons over gyms
BHUBANESWAR: Busy schedules often result in unhealthy lifestyles and consequent physical complications. In order to overcome that, few marathoners from the city are teaching and motivating others apart from running marathons and setting up exemplary records. City folks have shown a clear preference for marathons over gyms.
The best thing about marathons is that anyone can try it according to their own capabilities. For some, it’s not only a way to stay in shape, but challenge yourself to always go a step further as well.
Lakshmi V, a resident of Bhubaneswar, started running in marathons at the age of 49 to keep fit. Last year, she had completed a 21-km Tata Steel Marathon, DSF for Martyrs marathon and a Pinkathon. The sheer will and motivation to stay fit has enabled her to participate in these events. “Marathons rejuvenate me,” she said.
For marathoner Raj Kumar Gunwant, Milind Soman played a pivotal role in his joining Bhubaneswar Half Marathon, where Soman was the star attraction. Gunwant has already participated in Tata Steel Half Marathon and Tata Mumbai full Marathon. His love for marathons has made him shed 15 kg weight. His wife Poonam Gunwant, who is also a marathoner, has participated in Tata Steel Marathon, SBI Green marathon and IDBI Marathon. Poonam said, “Rhythm, timing and coordination are often the underappreciated aspects of the sport.”
‘Iron Man of Odisha’ Soubhagya Kumar Rath had participated in his first marathon in 2016 which he finished in 1 hour and 15 minutes. He said, “I have completed half, full, night marathon as well as Half Ironman events at Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ladakh, Goa, Chennai and recently at Colombo. He completed one of the world’s toughest marathon at Ladakh and is a very popular barefoot runner.
Impressed with his streak, his wife Sagarika Mishra was motivated to participate in such marathons. She has already completed 10, 7 and 5-km marathons with amazing ease.
Another avid marathoner Ajay Kumar Nanda said, “I started participating in marathons after being inspired from Sanjeeb Panda, IPS officer and President of Bhubaneswar cycling and Adventure Club. He ran a full marathon at Mumbai in 2015 which impressed me a lot. Born and brought up in Bhubaneswar, I always browse for running events.”
“During my job at Dubai, I had participated in a fun run at Standard Charted Dubai Marathon in 2013. I had the interest but was not getting enough scope to flourish. Once I was associated with BCAC I got the opportunity to participate in these events,” he said.
Slowly he participated in various running events in different cities. He has completed half and full marathons at Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, New Delhi, Mumbai, Dubai and Bhubaneswar.
Fitness coach Anshuman said, “After 25 years of age, one can hardly opt for speed running until he is a professional runner. Therefore, to build stamina and metabolism one must indulge in marathons. There is no age limit for marathons. Those who are not interested in gymming can always opt for marathon. However, it has to be practised daily.”
Sports Doctor Sarthak Patnaik said, “Marathon strengthens one’s core, legs, endurance and mind. Any sort of physical activity works towards improving your focus, sense of determination and sharpens your perspective towards anything you do or seek. A strong body houses a strong mind and vice-versa.”
Its clearly evident that Neitizens of the city are more into fitness and instead of going to a gym they are preferring to run a short,half or full marathon.
Chaitali Shome, OP
