Hyderabad: The 6th edition of the Hyderabad Triathlon 2015, scheduled to take place on Sunday, promises to be an interesting affair.
Competing amidst professional and trained marathon runners will be children, many of them less than 15 years of age. Marathon whiz kid Agasti Sekhar is six years old, but can put many of us to shame with his achievements.
Since last year, he has taken part in the 100 km Republic Day Ride, 68 km Freedom Ride and also the kid’s marathon. On Sunday, there will be no stopping Agasti as he takes part in the mini triathlon.
Which will include 4 km of cycling, 1 km of running and 50 metres of swimming.
His mother, Anupa Sekhar, admits that despite him being so young, Agasti knows what he is doing. “He has always been an active child,” says Anupa, a fitness expert, adding, “When he saw me taking part in the 68 km ride last year, he insisted on taking part too. He is a fit child, he cycles with me and his friends, has been training in swimming and gymnastics lately… so I didn’t have to worry about his health because he is physically fit.”
For Agasti, a student of Prerana Waldorf School, Gachibowli, it’s all about having fun. “I am excited for the triathlon as this is going to be my first one. None of my friends are going to be there and I do get very tired after taking part in such a marathon, but it’s all right because I enjoy myself a lot,” he says.
Siblings on the go
Last year Rohan, 11, and Pranavi Penumetcha, 10, moved to India from the US, where they used to take part in many marathons. Ten days ago they came to know about Sunday’s triathlon. “We started running from the age of three and it was always a great activity to be part of as even our parents would participate with us,” says Pranavi.
The kids are looking forwarded to the event as it will be their first one since their time back.
“We take part actively in all the sporting events in our school, our day starts with us heading to Gachibowli stadium for training and there is basketball training in the evening.
“Most of all, I really enjoy jogging. I am looking forward to Sunday and being a part of this experience in India,” says Rohan. The two will be taking part in the 1 km run and 15 metres swimming. Their mother, Madhavi, too encourages them to actively take part in sporting activities. “I want them to be physically fit. As a mother, I would rather have them outdoors, making friends and picking up a new sport, than at home in front of a TV playing video games.”
First timers
Lavanya moved to Hyderabad from Bengaluru only last year with her daughter and her husband. And when she spotted the ad about triathlon at her workplace, the couple was game to try something new.
“We have never taken part in any marathon or triathlon, so the excitement levels are very high,” says Lavanya, who will be taking part along with her five-year-old daughter Pratiksha.
