02/12/2025
Scenes from the Hubli Half Marathon
Last Sunday, I ran my first marathon.
I ran 5km.
Broke my personal record.
It was a big achievement for me,
Considering a very hectic travel 2 days back.
But along with that,
I observed so many people,
Thousands of them,
Running with me,
But with their own stories.
I saw a daughter and a son,
Holding their deceased mother's photo and running.
They were happy, celebrating their run with joy,
Felt as if it was what their mum wished for.
I also saw a mother-daughter duo,
Who kept on motivating each other to finish their run.
There were a ton of friends circle,
Of different age groups,
Where they just wanted to enjoy their run with each other,
Laughing their way through.
I saw so many elderly people,
Who walked finished the marathon.
Hats off to their resilience and mental strength.
There were other Who were professional runner,
Thin, muscular body,
Swiftly gliding, through the roads and focused to complete half marathon.
There were small kids who ran between our feet,
Trying to pull us in their race.
I made a new run friend,
Aishwarya.
Who ran with me till the end.
We motivated and pushed each other.
Such a beautiful soul.
There were dhols played by ladies with full energy,
Such that the energy was transferred to us, just by seeing them.
There was DJ,
Which helped us keep the momentum alive.
They were will organised water and snack pit stops,
Varied snacks like chikki, banana.
But I appreciated the salt they provided,
Which was a minute but a very big impact to our run.
Amazing breakfast was arranged at the end of the run.
Loved each and every minute of my marathon experience.
Thanks to all the funding organisations and Hubli Fitness Foundation,
For making this event happen so smoothly.
It was a full circle moment for me.
Two years ago, I had supported this event,
With a "race day nutrition" session to all the runners.
And this year,
I ran and finished it!!
Parvardigara
