10 K Run - Fun, Fitness, Cause

What a life time experience, for first time we were receiving cheers from the crowd as we were passing ‘100 mt to go’ sign in last lap of 10K run.  We finished almost after 45 minutes since the Canadian had made it to finish line to win, however in such events every participant reaching the finish line is treated like a winner.

For each exiting timing chip (tied to our shoes), timing was displayed. Wow mine was 1hr 14min 22sec and Raj's 1hr, 12min, 39sec  (reconfirmed with the timing certificate) & all our group who had reached much earlier than us welcomed us with a wide smile of satisfaction.

Now it was time to pose for photos at various locations with various poses. We collected refreshments & finishing medal. Excellent medical facility was provided to those who were in need (at 2-3 locations in the 10k route and a huge tent at the people plaza). 

On this energetic Sunday morning (25^th Nov, 2012)  our entry to Necklace Road had coincided with heavenly sunrise at 6 am. Finally the day had arrived for 10 K run. We few friends had been practicing since one month for this event. Our group could be identified with SEVA T-shirts at the venue. 

At age of 44, I was not mentally prepared for such physical activity, however few friends from my ‘Morning Exercise Group’ encouraged me to ‘believe in my dreams’ and 10k was a cakewalk. The wonderful tips & encouraging physical activity schedule helped us to gain the confidence & perform as well.

Event organizers had done a wonderful job with meticulous planning of each and every detail right from parking, road arrangements etc. Our group had some crazy moments searching for each other in huge crowd as there was some communication gap but somehow we had started. At 6:40 am we had stepped on the mat to ensure activation of timing chip & run started with encouraging music & support from organizers. 

Within one km, we were greeted by cheer leaders dancing to tunes of ‘Gangnam Style’. Kingfisher water bottles, oranges, energy drinks (mixed with electoral) were supplied at many locations. It was fun all the way to receive cheers from spectators and waving to the cameras/videos. 

Marking of each km was such a relief & at half the distance our token numbers were once again registered. It was foolproof  mechanism. Some special participants moved ahead on wheelchairs and motivated us. More cheer leaders added to the fun. Felt like dancing with them but decided to concentrate on run. 

With completion, we had achieved rise in self confidence, excitement and satisfaction of goal achievement. Now the goal is enhanced to half marathon that is next step of 10K. What do you say buddies?

SEVA Event Details