CONSCIOUS RUNNING

Approaching the COAL INDIA RANCHI MARATHON this year, I couldn’t help but feel a tad hesitant, given its notorious reputation for lackluster arrangements. Despite my reservations, and with February marking my absence from any running events, I reckoned it was worth a shot.

Let’s be clear, though: this marathon isn’t tailored for first-timers. It’s raw, unpolished, and lacking in basic amenities like hydration stations and post-run nourishment for those crossing the 4:45 mark. However, compared to its 2023 edition, there were noticeable improvements, albeit slight.

One glaring absence was the lack of cheerleaders, a testament to the event’s overall deficiency in community engagement. Commoners seemed more concerned with reclaiming their usual traffic routes than fostering an atmosphere of support. Yet, as a runner with a vested interest in the sport’s growth, I remain hopeful that this event will evolve for the better, catering to the needs of its running community.