“Running is both exercise and a metaphor... In long-distance running the only opponent you have to beat is yourself, the way you used to be.” These words from Haruki Murakami, the man who wrote a whole book about long-distance running (What I Talk About When I Talk About Running), would be enough to surmise why the world is fascinated by marathons.
Though a relatively new concept to Kerala, celebrities, business tycoons and youngsters in the state are quickly embracing marathons, be it for raising awareness about health care issues, expressing support for social causes or as running for running’s sake. In fact, half a dozen marathons have been scheduled in the state in the next three months!
The first in the series is the half marathon organised by Young Men’s Club, Kandanad, on October 2. “We came up with the idea for the marathon as a means of spreading awareness against alcohol and drug abuse. It’s a 21-km run with the message ‘Say no to alcohol, say no to drugs.’ The marathon will be flagged off by Minister for Fisheries, Ports and Excise K. Babu, from St Mary’s High School Ground at 6.15 am. Guiness Pakkru and Arjuna Award winning Indian Volleyball player Tom Joseph will be present at the closing ceremony. Tripunithura Circle Inspector, M. Byju Paulose will deliver a pledge on anti-drug abuse at the event as well. We are planning to organise similar marathons every year now with different social messages as the focus,” says Dileep Kumar, one of the committee members for the marathon. The route for the run is Chottanikkara- Thiruvankulam- Tripunithura-Udayamperoor- Nadakavu-Mulanthuruthy to Kandanad.
The Kannur Beach Run, organised by the North Malabar Chamber of Commerce, in association with Diacare, also uses the initiative to send out awareness messages. “Kanur Beach Run is a 10-km road race and a first-of-its-kind marathon in the area. Local residents have been asking for a marathon run of our own for a long time now and we are finally doing it. The run will be happening on November 15, World Diabetes Day, and would also carry the message of diabetes awareness. The run is planned in and around Payyambalam Beach. Almost 60 per cent of the run would happen on the beach itself. Anju Bobby George is our brand ambassador and some of the Indian hockey players and some footballers who have represented the country are coming down for the marathon as well,” says Mehaboob who heads the organising committee of the marathon.
Another marathon happening on World Diabetes day is the Spice Coast Marathon 2015 organised by IDBI Federal Life Insurance and Soles of Cochin. However, this one is organised purely for those in love with running as the organisers feel a marathon does not require an additional message as it is itself a promoter of health.“Unlike other marathons, the course for our full marathon is certified by USA Track & Field (USATF), which enables qualified runners to participate in international races such as the Boston Marathon and the London Marathon. In professional marathons, it’s not enough to just complete the run, you have to complete it in a particular time. We are trying to acquaint people to these details and our club even offers trainings of one- six months to successfully complete such marathons. Long-distance running is a feat that pushes your limits. After you run 30 km, your body releases glycodin, which helps use your fat as fuel, and by the time you finish the run you get this super-human feeling that is very satisfying. In fact, the chemicals that get released in your body when you become a regular runner even helps you deal with smoking and drug addictions,” says Ramesh Kanjilimadhom, Race Director, Soles of Cochin.
The event includes a Full marathon (42.2 km), a Half marathon (21.1 km) and a Family Fun run/ Dream run (5 km) which starts at 4 am, 5 am and 7 am respectively. The full and half marathons are timed events designed for the serious and passionate enthusiasts, while the Dream Run (5 km) includes participants from all walks of life. Much of the route is in the naval area and the running course will take all participants through 42 historical landmarks of Kochi.
