hyderabad marathon 2013

Mask of Zorro (Hyderabad Marathon 2013)

The full marathon veterans were flagged off at 5 am. Soon after we were treated to an energy exploding electrifying agile performance by the Twists and Turns, and then the half marathoners, all 1800 of us we were flagged  off by the chief guest. 1800 made for a jam packed and slow start.

The ambience at the race was electrifying. There was  a sea of blue T shirts interspersed with the bright Hyderabad runners yellow, loud rock music and the crowd to encourage us.. I saw a few familiar faces  at the start, veteran runners who were there for every marathon. We greeted each other with enthusiasm. I always saw them at the start but  never the finish, because by the time I dragged  my weary bones there, they would have had breakfast and left!

I had been preparing for the Hyderabad half –marathon for 2 months, irregularly (it would rain, I had to travel, my grandson had holidays---). I never managed the weekly long run. I considered myself lucky if I managed 6-8 kilometres 4 times a week.  Still at 60 I was the oldest woman participant and determined to complete it.

It was heart rending to see the blade runners, one must salute their spirit , energy and determination. They have logged so many kilometres with grit and loneliness.

That aside, one of the highlights was the appearance of masked Zorro or was it batman? I’m not too well versed with the costumes. He had a mask covering the upper half of his face, a long cape, a couple of rubber daggers and an elegant flourish with which he encouraged us to “come on come on!”

There was an elderly couple, with a placard encouraging us en route  and a lithe PYT who shouted cheered and danced on the road,.

A whole family was awaiting for a first time runner with more and more disappointment showing on their faces as the bibbed  runners  sped by and their candidate was not to be seen.

The police got tired of blocking traffic and at three crucial crossings we had to helped across by a few enthusiastic volunteers. It was a bit frightening but worked out okay.

As I ran I kept looking for a person ahead of  me whom I could catch up with or overtake. It was a daunting task as some walkers overtook me and then a man with a  waddling gait ( fasted waddler I have ever seen)!

I ran 3-4 km with a man who had run 67 km the previous week. All that exertion made his knees pack up and he limped along. Took him 6 hours but he made it to the finish line!

I could eventually see the finish, but I thought I wouldn’t make it and started to walk, when a good Samaritan (not Zorro) offered and accompanied me across the finish line! No word scan describe the joy of receiving that beautiful medal.