On Sunday, the weather in Hyderabad provided the perfect backdrop for the ninth edition of the Hyderabad Marathon, which witnessed not only a large number of participants, but an equally large number of people coming out in support of the runners.
First started in 2011, the Marathon took place at three different venues —People’s Plaza, Necklace Road; GMC Balayogi Stadium and Hitex Exhibition Centre, Hi-Tech City, over 25,000 runners participated.
Though many did not get their hands on the big prize, people were still joyous as they found a bigger victory in completing the marathon.
Entrepreneur Srimani Mathukumilli at the marathon.
“We have been participating in the marathon every year. This year’s event was humongous and the sense of health and fitness has gone up tremendously in the city. People from all professions participated and it was so heartening to see this wave of people in all directions,” shares entrepreneur Srimani Mathukumilli, who adds, “The sense of participation, togetherness and inclusiveness made all the difference. That army of red t-shirts, regardless of who you are, made us feel like we were one.”
Moksh Mehta
For Madhujit Singh, founder of Ananya — Women at Work, this marathon means a lot. “This marathon has made a big impact on my life, especially as I was not much into fitness earlier. I know of so many others who take it much more seriously than I do and the kind of regime they follow is simply amazing,” she says.
“We always look forward to this annual marathon and it is one of the most difficult marathons in India, but still, we take part in it every year. This year, almost 25,000 people participated and being a Hyderabad Runner, it is a proud moment. It’s kind of a festival for us now and it feels great to participate in it,” shares jewellery designer Naveen Samuel.
Entrepreneur Rachna Mehta, who was there at the event cheering for her son, agrees and shares, “Ever since this marathon has come to Hyderabad, it has encouraged my family to participate in it. Like my 15-year-old son, who ran the marathon this time around. He would have not thought of running if this kind of event had not been organised in the city. So it encourages young and old alike to set some goals and achieve them.”
