Hyderabad Triathlon: Thrice the challenge

If you have determination, then nothing can stand in your way. This is exactly why thousands of people gathered at Gachibowli Stadium to participate in the 8th edition of Hyderabad Triathlon — 2017 on Sunday, despite heavy rains on Saturday evening. Hyderabad Triathlon is India’s largest open category triathlon event. The event, conducted by the Great Hyderabad Adventure Club, was held across three locations in the twin cities — the GMC Balyogi Gachibowli Stadium, Oakridge International School, Gachibowli, and ICFAI Foundation of Higher Education, Shankarpally.

Participants cycling during the event

The event commenced at 6 a.m. with a zumba and warm-up session, post which various triathlons and duathlons were flagged-off one by one. What was delightful to see was the energy with which the participants — including kids — took part in the event. In fact, a lot of attendees were training for months for the triathlon.

Interestingly, the finishing line of the race came as a surprise this year. Be it the longest run of ¾ iron triathlon or the smallest mini aquathlon, touching the finishing line is always a matter of prestige. And keeping this in mind, the organisers of the event arranged for some dhol walas, who greeted every participant approaching the finish line with enthusiasm.

There were photographers too, who captured the winning-moment of each participant. Some of the participants were even seen dancing to the dhol after finishing their race.

However, there were fewer volunteers, which did cause a lot of problems for participants.

Setting an example for the gen-next
Marri Laxman Reddy (73) was the oldest man at the triathlon event, who ran with his great grandson Vaishank (13). “I joined Veteran Athletics Group (running) when I was at 45,” said Laxman Reddy, while narrating how he started running. “Soon, I participated in state and national level competitions and even secured bronze medals in the Asian Half-Marathon in 2001 (veterans group). At 70, I wanted to create a record and won three gold medals in swimming and running in state championships (veterans club). I also cycled from Bangalore to Hyderabad (as a part of BSF golden jubilee celebrations),” he says, adding, “Even though I am suffering from knee and back pain, I came to this triathlon to inspire all the youngsters. I urge them to take up running and cycling. If any young students want to purchase a bicycle, I will bear 50 per cent of the cost to further encourage taking up the sport.”

Vaishank takes a leaf out of his great grandfather’s book, and says, “I have also represented Telangana in the Mountain Bike National Championships, which was recently held in Pune. I am active in my school games, but my great grandfather has inspired me to go to the next level and participate in such marathon events. I am into swimming, cycling and running and am preparing for the national and Asian-level marathon. Participating in such triathlons gives me the required exposure and experience to go to the next level.”

Age no bar 
While most eight-year-olds are busy watching cartoons and playing with toys, Agasthi successfully completed the sprint triathlon this Sunday.

“I have been training for a few months now, and practice for at least one hour every day,” says Agasthi after completing 750 m of swimming, 20 km of cycling and 5 km of running.

Although, the minimum age of participating in a sprint triathlon is 12 years, the organisers made an exception for Agasthi. Talking about it, Swathi Vasireddy, the race director of the triathlon, says, “We received an email from Agasthi’s father giving us the details about the past events that Agasthi had participated in. The list included a 65 km and a 150 km cycling event, as well as information about the Republic Day and Independence Day events that Agasthi had participated in. So we made an exception." Agasthi was lauded as he received his medal and couldn’t contain his excitement.

Adding a French flavour 
Fitness friends Juinnoume and Marion (French) were the star attractions at the event (swimming). “When I saw people cheering I got all charged up. Also running and swimming with friends gives you a great pleasure; it’s a great stress reliever,” said Marion, adding that participating in marathons gives her a purpose and a sense of peace.

“While at such events, I don’t worry about anything and feel stress free — all thanks to my swimming and running. In fact, to run a marathon has turned into a celebration. I have been participating since 10 years in France. Whenever there’s an opportunity in Hyderabad, I utilise it,” she says. Juinnoume, who is participating in a marathon for the first time in India, says, “This is my first triathlon in India, and it’s great to see such a big crowd participating.”

Inspiring others by running 
One athlete, who stood out and was appreciated by many, was an amputee athlete, Shekar Goud. Shekar’s right arm and left leg were amputated due to an electrical burn. “In 2006, I had an electrical accident after which one of my arms and legs were amputated. I even lost the toes of my right leg.

I went through a very bad phase post that,” narrates Shekar, adding, “However, with time, I realised that my life cannot end here and started taking part in such running events. My first event was the Airtel 10k run, 2014.

I practiced more regularly after that. I have completed 19 marathons till now, and last year, I cycled for 4,100 km, from southern India to northern India in 58 days. I am planning to cycle from western India to eastern India in next year.”