Marathon
Running a marathon requires weeks of intense training. However, the benefits of running a marathon are multitudinous, which makes it participating in one worth it. Running a marathon improves your physical and mental health, keeps you motivated and helps your personal development. Various marathons also support different charities and help raise awareness about different causes. If you are a runner, in India, who is planning on participating in a marathon, then we have come with the top three marathon events in India that you should definitely consider.
The Tata Mumbai Marathon is amongst the top 10 marathons in the world and has given India a global acknowledgement when it comes to distance running. Held every year in the financial capital of the country, Close to 50,000 participants from amateurs to professionals, run through Mumbai’s city streets for this annual marathon, raising millions for civil society organizations throughout India. From long marathons of 42.195 k to short marathons of 10k, Mumbai Marathon is an opportunity for one and all.
Ladakh Marathon is for experienced runners who wish to go for a challenging run. It is the world’s highest marathon, and a runner needs to prepare for a high altitude. The terrain too is quite strenuous. However, Ladakh’s scenic beauty might compensate for the same. There are four races that you can choose from according to your potential and comfort; a 7 km race, half-marathon, full marathon, and the Khardung La Challenge, which covers the distance of 72 km.
Moving to the southern part of the country, Kaveri Trail Marathon is another race that offers beautiful scenery to the runners, along the run. The race opens near the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and follows the course of river Kaveri. The terrain is varied and can be challenging for some runners. Started in 2007, this is India’s first trail marathon. It offers three kinds of races to participate in; a full marathon, half marathon, and a 10 km race.
Pinkathon is India’s biggest women’s marathon, which aims to spread awareness about breast cancer, its causes, and prevention. It encourages a healthier lifestyle in women. It also contributes a minimum of five lakh rupees per event to the Women Cancer Initiative. The marathon is held in eight cities across India — Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. The event offers three kinds of running distances; 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km run.
Since 2008, the short marathon is organized in every third week of May in Bengaluru, India. It has brought a sports revolution in the southern part of India. On the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale, TCSW10K launched the ‘Hope Runs Within’ campaign this year, with an aim to salute the unconditional support shown by medical fraternity, armed forces, police and other relevant departments. Last year, over 24,000 running enthusiasts participate in the marathon.
Other than this, there are various events that happen all over India such as Run the Rann in Gujrat, Goa River Marathon in Goa, Airtel Delhi Half Marathon in New Delhi, that runners can participate in.
