Nurturing Marathon Culture...

Friends, probably the title of my post is confusing? You are not able to make out what I am going to write about? These days we do find social media flooded with runners's experiences, tips about running, dos and don'ts for running, practically everything about running is available all over. Then whats is it that I am gong to write? yeah, let me share my mind and heart with you all. Season of marathons is on! Though we have marathons throughout the year, winter is best time for marathons in cities like Mumbai. So on all Sundays we practically have at least one marathon. From metropolitan cities to smaller cities, all cities are coming up with marathons. Go to any city and you should find posters of some marathon coming up in the city or visual memories of marathon gone by.All these marathons get an enthusiastic participation. participation from professionals and amateurs. I am also one of those amateur runners. And since I am not professional runner, I don't worry about speed. My energies are concentrated more on observing things and people around me. It is interesting to see the enthusiasm and commitment of all runners,  expressions on their faces. 

But at the same time, there are many things which worry me, which disturb me.  long runs start early in the morning. Major part of long run is in darkness. Most of the routes are through arterial roads of cities. Considering darkness,conditions of roads, there is always a danger of a fall. And there are  runners with over enthusiasm who  may even push others in attempt to go ahead. This category of pushing others and trying to move ahead is more among amateurs than pros. I sometimes feel like stopping them and telling them, "hello, what for is this pushing? winner has already reached finish point, enjoy your run and let me enjoy mine" Some of the marathons are so crowded that I start wondering whether it is time for Government to step in and limit the number of marathons to be organized in a city. It is also time for Marathon organizers not to enroll more runners than the capacity. It is not just the crowded running route but also a big rush for collecting breakfast,medals. Most of us are tired and also excited after completing a run. So spirits run high even after the run. You may witness arguments over jumping of ques,frustration about crowd every where.  Roads leading to assembly area get choked up before  and after the marathon. Considering limited open spaces in most of our cities, gathering of huge crowds for marathons could be an invitation for mishaps. Some of you may feel that I am exaggerating. But we must remember, we are running for enjoyment, we are running as a part of healthy competition. It has to be a good experience and we all got to contribute to it.

Have we seen the marathon route, assembly area,medal collection,breakfast collection area after the marathon? Gosh, its full of overflowing bins, water bottles,tetra packs,signage boards strewn all over. Efficiency of event management company is crucial in managing all the litter created after marathons.  Have we ever given a thought to plastic water bottles that are used and thrown and the consequent damage to the environment? Have we ever thought about the disturbance caused in residential areas due to marathons? 

Arranging marathons is a profit making, publicity making,fund raising activity these days. Our huge population is enthusiastically participating in this . It is certainly a fun to run. A good run boosts one's morale, improves one's self esteem, builds a fitness culture. With a marathon culture a part of our social fabric now, it is time to be more sensitive,more responsible about marathons. Time to run with a concern for environment,concern for fellow citizens!