Bengaluru’s socially conscious folk are used to wearing their hearts on their sleeve. That’s what they will be doing while running the Bengaluru Midnight Marathon tonight too. India’s first midnight marathon, this will see the city run to support a rather ingenious movement — for happy schools!
It’s not unusual for marathons to rope in causes, just like this one. “I think fitness isn’t an integral part of our culture yet. So, when you associate a cause with it, people are bound to be motivated because they invariably helping make a difference,” says Niharika Nel Lepcha, a digital strategist from the city who is hoping to challenge herself at the 21K event. “Although I’ve run marathons before and have even competed in the 10K, this is a tough one and I wanted to challenge myself. But when I saw that it was also for a good cause, I jumped right in,” she tells us.
Most people are in it solely for the cause. This marathon that will be flagged off by Padma Shri-winning boxer Mary Kom, starts from 5.30 pm today from KTPO, Whitefield and is touted to be the world’s largest fundraiser. Curated by the Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor, funds from the run will be used for the development of seven government schools across the state and will impact over 4,000 students positively. “The impact is at multiple levels – from infrastructure and science and computer labs to potable drinking water, upgrading toilet facilities, libraries and books, teacher training and volunteer-run classes,” says Viraf Sutaria, the chairman of the run.
“I think a happy school is one where kids receive a wholesome education and gain knowledge irrespective of their economic, social or religious backgrounds. It’s one where they are themselves and building a school goes a long way in that,” says Vasanthi Ramesh. The Bengalurean confesses that although her husband is a runner, it’s only causes like these that motivate her to join the race – quite literally. The youth force of the city is in on it too. “I feel strongly about the cause because I have volunteered to teach at these schools and know that they aren’t getting quality education. If this can in some way help them, then I found it my moral responsibility to be a part of it,” says Sakshi Agarwal, a student.
