Running into History
I have been lucky to be a part of a few moments in running history
- the 40th edition of the Avenue of the Giants Marathon (absolutely wonderful race among the giant redwoods in Humboldt, CA
- the 100th edition of the completely bonkers Bay to Breakers in San Francisco, CA
- the 40th edition of the Berlin Marathon when Wilson Kipsang broke the WR (and Kipchoge came 2nd!)
I didn't plan the "historic" part of my participation in these events. I just happened to be in CA in 2011 and in Berlin in 2013, trying my best to qualify for an actual stab at history at the Boston Marathon.
However here's something that was even more unplanned, but something I have tried to be a part of - the Mumbai Marathon, which is now an indelible part of Indian running. The 20th edition of the event is happening this coming Sun and the organisers have chosen to felicitate those who have been part of the event for more than 10 years.
My friend and inspiration, Bhasker Sharma and I, are the only two runners from Bangalore that I know, who had done the HM or the FM and had official finish times across all editions when I wrote about other streakers, about a decade ago, when the Mumbai Marathon hit 10 years.
In another week, the 20th edition will be upon us. I wish and hope for 20 other such Indian cities to host marathons and help Indians get healthier and fitter. And I wish the Mumbai Marathon another 20+ editions and hope to be there as time ticks along, for as long as I can
Awesome Dharmendra D
Yes. You are a legend Dharmendra D Stellar commitment!! Also, good to see that the only other city that makes the list apart from Mumbai is Bengaluru (and then a long tail)
Awesome Dharmendra D! Wishing you all the very best 👍
Congratulations Dharmendra D
Well done Dharmendra D , so happy and proud of you as always for your consistency and inspiration ❤️