Beyond 42.195, that kicked off from Greenwood High International School on Varthur Road recently Source: Greenwood High International School
A marathon is a fun adventure and a great test of endurance. Many runners in Bangalore & abroad did not miss the opportunity to express their mettle in the 3rd edition of the 50k marathon, Beyond 42.195, that kicked off from Greenwood High International School on Varthur Road recently. The marathon, organised by the Bangalore Sports Foundation, saw 115 runners from across India & the World with some of them making their debut in this ultra-distance running. All of them assembled at the school at 3:30 am when a surprise shower marked the kick-off. After a quick Runners’ brief and some pre-run snacks, the race commenced at 4:30 am. The run passed through Varthur and Sarjapura Road and crossed 38 Villages covering a distance of 50 kms before concluding at the school.
Along the route, there were 16 aid stations positioned at crucial junctions with volunteers extending hydration and nutrition help to the ultra-runners. They carried water, coconut water, electrolytes and juices apart from bananas, bread and jam, oranges, biscuits and many more quick energy bites for the ultra-runners.
Commenting on the marathon, Mr. Sridhar, one of the organisers of this event said: “The weather was pleasant throughout and runners enjoyed the fog and mist running through the green villages and fields. Some of them who had travelled all the way from abroad for this race said it brought them closer to their roots to course through these pleasant villages and see the rural life in all its glory. It was a wonderful run along a route with varying terrains. We are happy that almost all participants made it to the finish line.”
Anwesh Reddy finished first in the male category by completing the 50K in around four hours and Nandini Gangadhara finished first in the female category running the race in around five hours. The organisers also celebrated runners who turned or were about to turn 50 this year with a birthday cake.
Speaking about the event, Niru Agarwal - Managing Trustee, Greenwood High International School said: “We were proud to host the kick-off and conclusion of the marathon. Partnering for this run was really exciting as it exposed the participants to a whole new experience of running along the rural and greener parts of Bangalore while making use of the state-of-the-art infrastructure of the school for their preparations. The rustic touch to the event was welcomed by all and was a new dimension to the marathon. We are happy to have associated with this event and look forward to hosting more such events.”
The Beyond 42.195 was a marathon along a scenic route, dotted with rustic village life, farmers tilling their land, melodious chirping of birds and sounds of animals, lined with trees and a soothing carpet of green as far as the eye can see.