Vizagites will run under the stars

Visakhapatnam: Just imagine the fun of running amidst colourful lights all around, music bands performing, artistes dancing along the routes, popular numbers booming from sound systems throughout the way and to top it all, the bay affect. Such fun and festive arrangements were seen all the way for the first of its kind night marathon in the state. Vizag Bay Marathon is   aimed to entice people for the event and promote running and healthy lifestyle.

As many as 7,000 registrations have been accepted by Wednesday from people of all walks of life and age groups. “I have run 57 marathons in the last eight years but am being part of a night marathon for the first time. I am sure it would be exciting and interesting not only for me but for many. We planned the marathon at night to have a different experience. The absence of sun, harsh climate and the night timing would attract many to participate in it,” said the race director Dr Murali Nannapaneni, a general physician.

“Our aim is to promote a healthy life through running. Hence, apart from ensuring good number of participants, our efforts are on to draw good number of spectators too. This is a great platform to motivate the spectators not interested in running. The marathon and all the arrangements we hope will bring a change,” he added. About 40 music bands, DJs, local artistes would be performing on the route to encourage the runners and audience, said the organisers.

“Everyone can run, even the casual amateurs and elderly persons, can participate. Well-equipped first-aid centres would be put up at every 2 km and we will also instruct the participants on the correct way to run in the coming two days, said the race director.