Run for gender equity. Run for the girl child. Run because you can. As the ‘women only’ dna Marathon set the pace on Mumbai’s roads on Women's Day, here’s what the women who have been down this road had to say
You can be pretty and loving,
You can be loud and happening.
Don’t let them tell you
to act like a girl,
Get up. Stand up. Dance and swirl!
So what if the world stares?
Hey girl, don’t be scared.
Give them a violent stare,
To look again they won’t dare!
It’s not about the clothes
you’re wearing,
It’s their small minds and
narrow thinking.
The fight began long before our country became free
But even today we are bounded by the norms of an ‘Indian Stree’
You are strong and born a fighter
You are your life’s own driver
Learn to run, hit, stab and kick
If that is what the world demands,so be it!
Show your anger, not your fear,
Be brave, don’t shed a single tear.
There are always going to be creeps,
Don’t let that stop you from doing what you feel.
It’s a tough world for us they say,
But we are tougher,
come what may!
—Shivangi
It’s always a pleasure running for a cause; especially a women’s marathon—a fantastic step in the right direction. Running with friends makes it even more special.
—Gurpreet
I participate in the dna marathon to enjoy, not to win. It is a great platform to meet new people, stay fit and boost my self-confidence.
—Dhara
Running the dna Women’s iCan Marathon has been an enthralling experience from the first year itself; with time, it just gets better.
—Lata
dna ICan was the first half marathon I ran. It was wonderful to see women from all walks of life and of all ages, come together, motivate each other and complete the run as one large group.
It was especially inspiring to see the older women, some of whom were fasting, completing the run in good time.
—Ishita
A marathon is not just running; it is challenging yourself and accomplishing your goal against all odds. The dna ICan Women’s Marathon has given me the opportunity to discover my inner strength.
Running has given me the power, courage and determination to stay fit. I have successfully completed three consecutive dna ICan marathons.
—Konica
The dna Women’s Marathon is a very charismatic event. Finishing the marathon is not only an athletic achievement but serves as encouragement for every woman who participates.
—Vrushali
I remember the first time I stood in the holding area of the dna marathon; it felt nice to be with fellow women runners who were as enthusiastic as I was. I have always viewed running as empowering An event like this is essential, especially in a country like ours that needs a shift in perception with respect to woman.
—Tazeen
dna ICan 2013 was my first ever marathon. I remember registering on a whim and then being clout by doubt. Can I finish? I don't know if I can do this. Should I just act like I am sick in the morning and not go? But then thankfully, I did. I remember the last two kilometres the most; my legs were hurting, my heart pounding and I wanted to give up. Just then, I happened to glance at a hoarding which read 'I CAN'; this helped me push myself across the finish line. Running the DNA ICan Marathon was a truly exhilarating experience, and a stepping stone towards a healthier lifestyle. Today, I am four marathons old and all set to run a couple more. For me, the biggest lesson has been to believe in myself, because I can and I will.
—Zinnia
This is one of the few marathonsthat motivates by its very name ‘ICAN’. Until you run it, you won’t believe that fitness can be combined with fun and it can free you from your daily worries.
—Pallavi
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