A group of working professionals from Bengaluru is all set to run 13 half-marathons over 13 days. The twist to the otherwise usual tale of marathoners running for a cause is that the group will run the distance during the day in 13 cities, travelling by train from city to city at night.
The marathon run, with the theme ‘Rail. Road. Run. Raise’ (http://meraterahrrrun.org/) was the brainchild of Jagdish Damania, an IT professional, who loves travelling by trains and is an ultra-marathon runner.
Combining train travelBy combining running with train travel, the participants hope to raise awareness about involving themselves in government processes through the Rejuvenate India Movement, an organisation that trains individuals in engaging with local authorities on issues and for harnessing government schemes.
Brijesh Gajera, a techie from Bengaluru, who is part of the seven-member group, said he thought the format was the best way to indulge in his fascination for trains and meeting people. He said, “Trains are the best place where you can meet people and discuss such ideas.”
Running enthusiasts from local running clubs in various cities will participate in the marathon, said Bharat Srinivasamurthy, media manager for the group. The marathon series will begin from Kanteerava Stadium here on Thursday, after which participants will head to Ernakulam and then go on to Chennai, Hyderabad, Bhopal, Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu, Haridwar, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai, and will reach Margao by December 30.
