Marathoners keep a date with Kozhikode

KOZHIKODE: For last few years, marathons with a message have become colourful events in the city, and fitness freaks or running enthusiasts have increased to a great extent.  Inspired by the trend, a few youngsters who met during marathons have decided to form a club for all those who love to do long runs, no matter what the distance is, or what their age is or to which background they belong.

This is how ‘Odraa Calicut' or run Kozhikode was formed, and they are all set to do their first marathon on April 1 with other organisations as its launch.  “The club is a means for all the people in Kozhikode to come together and share a love of running”, said Kisan Sivaram, Odraa Calicut president. The club is never a pressure upon the runners, as the members can show up when they have the time and also when we organise runs. 

"So far we have many levels of runners, from those who are very new to marathons to veterans. More than the club, we are trying to build a healthy community and, on a long run, do something for the society," he said. In the first phase, they have decided to meet up twice in every month on Kozhikode beach and do a 10-kilometre run wearing the club's t-shirt.  They claim that one will be entering an environment that inspires running and that will keep one healthy and fit.