8,000 sweat it out at Bengaluru Marathon, 92-year-old covers 5 km

Manjunath Hadimani | NT

The eighth edition of the Bengaluru Marathon took place at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday. The highlight of the even was the participation by 92-year old Dattatreya in the 5km run.

Around 8,000 runners participated in the Marathon, which was divided into three categories; Marathon, Halfmarathon and 5K run. Approximately 4,000 people ran the Half-Marathon while over 2,000 ran the Marathon. Few charity partners like Visually Impaired Runners and Cerebral Palsy Group of Runners ran 5km along with the other runners to encourage fitness, even among the specially abled.

This event is from last year, which was cancelled due to Covid, and this year’s marathon will be held in October.

Shamala Manmohan (61), who won the 55+ age group half-marathon for women, said that she has been training regularly. “Everyone has to give 40 to 45 minutes for themselves, towards keeping them fit and healthy. Being fit and healthy is the one area that many of us don’t focus on, but it is very important. The maximum I ran was 60km which was a week back. I wish everyone gives themselves some time not just for running but also for other fitness activities. Health is Wealth,” she said.

The winner of the 18-35 age group half-marathon (male), Mohammed Sahil Annigeri, said he has been an athlete since his school. “I didn’t take running seriously in the initial days, but when I got my first medal in my 11th class it inspired me to participate in more events. I got eight medals at the university level running 5K’s and half-marathons. My inspiration is to improve my performance every time I participate. Keep my body fit and healthy,” said the 22-yearold mechanical engineer.

Winner of the 18-35 age group halfmarathon female, Sugandha Sharma said that she had been training for the half-marathon for the last three years. “This is my third half-marathon. My timing has improved from last marathon to this marathon and I want to keep training and working hard. I don’t want to compete with anyone but myself. Every day I look forward to being better and keeping the positive intent going,” said the 31-year-old.

Winner of the 35-45 age group halfmarathon (male), KV Bhaskar Reddy, said that running gives him a lot of happiness along with the obvious health. “I have come here from Hyderabad for the third time now. I participate in running because I enjoy it,” said Bhaskar Reddy.