KOZHIKODE: A Kozhikode lad made the country proud by participating in one of the greatest marathon events, the ‘Virgin Money London marathon 2015,’ in the United Kingdom on Sunday.
K. Roshan Ismail from Arakinar, near here, was the only Indian who participated in the marathon and he held the national flag high while competing with nearly 38,000 participants from all over the globe.
Set over a largely flat course around River Thames, ‘London marathon 2015,’ is an annual long-distance running charity programme launched by former Olympic champion and journalist Chris Brasher and athlete John Disley and is among the five greatest marathons in the world.
“It was for pursuing my higher education that I left for London two years ago. I was inspired by the London marathon which stands for social causes. Hence, I participated in it though it was my maiden attempt and winning it was never a criterion. I was honoured as the only Indian to take part in the marathon, though we have a good number of Indians residing in the UK. I made use of the opportunity to run with the national flag in the foreign land,” Roshan said.
Sharing his experience, Roshan said, “The start on London’s greased roads was lightning. The first three miles were covered in 14 minutes and 31seconds. But from then on the race, with surges in pace, was more strategic,” he said.
