It wouldnt have been possible had Comverse (the company, I work for) not decided to participate in "Corporate Challenge" of the event this year. I didnt know that my long cherised dream to run among thousands of marathon runners, not to support any cause but for the joy of running, will be realised so soon. Actually the dream found its root in my insane mind when me and my sister Somia use to go for early morning jog, till couple of months ago. At that time, I had little idea that Comverse will soon give me an oppurutnity to live it so nearly.
Corporate Challenge consisted of small contingents from 70 corporates who would run (for 7kms) to support a cause supported by Concern India Foundation. We were a team of 30 from Comverse and rest 29 were running for 'Formal Education for children'. Not because I don't believe in it but since my boss had picked my Bib nunmber and he was missing from the scene on the morning of marathon. Anyways, The marathon had started for us, long before we imagined, right from the collection point, Bikaji Cama place, where all the team was supposed to unite and march off in a shuttle but as I said, it literarly turned out a 3km marathon towards the venue due to non-availability of shuttle. We reached the venue and my boss was still missing, now road back home was longer than the 7km marathon road ahead. I decided to follow the crowd into the well guarded entrance while thinking of all the consequences, maximum I would be standing besides the photographer waiting at the finishing point. So, I was trying to be as normal while enjoying every bit of crazyness all around.
There were people of all ages, abilities and colors from different walks of corporates around. Among them we, as a team, were moving towards the start line. Everything was crawling, through to the "real" starting flag-off line, not only because of half marathon we had already completed so far, from "our" starting point but also due to presence of overwhelming crowd all the way and also ofcourse the screaming, shouting fans of the Badshah of Bollywood, who was at the flag-off stage along with others well know but little recongnized celebrities waiting for their moments.
Finally we reached the point where we could actually start the marathon run, thanks to Badshah's fortunate/unfortuncate exit from the scene. We still got the chance to reply waves to Rahul Bose, Vijender Singh, Shiela Dixit and Suresh Kalmadi. We started with Comverse flag held high, ultimately we also had to support the primary concern of the company. Soon everybody was on his own to test his mettle under the Sun on unusually jammed with people, which is usually jammed with vehicles, Delhi road. It was not less than any jog-saw puzzle for any serious candidate, one had to find his way forward among fellow runners. As soon as I ran past the 1Km sign my speed started to decrease and carnival like fun began to increase. One could hear all kinds of slogans like 'Jai Mata Di', see fancy dresses and couldnt resist observing colored hairs too with less mean more moral support for different causes. Amidst all this, I had forgot about my Bib number when our HR Congratulated me for this distinct achievement, and to my realisation, I was the only one running "without a cause". But I think it was of lesser importance than reaching the finish line and the joy of running.
After 1Hr of marathon, I shambled my way to the finish line. Only thing I could think of was to get hold of some refreshement for the tired legs and empty stomach. From gulcose biscuits and water to Fruits and juices everything tasted like heaven after a decent outing in winter's early morning Sun. Finally to "add the cause" to my run, there was my boss standing in the refreshment camp with my Bib number in his hands, he had reached the venue long before us and ran the Corporate Challenge all alone. I thanked him to carry my number through the marathon and after a while left from the venue with the Bib number.
Share your experiences/thoughts, I appreciate your visit.
Corporate Challenge consisted of small contingents from 70 corporates who would run (for 7kms) to support a cause supported by Concern India Foundation. We were a team of 30 from Comverse and rest 29 were running for 'Formal Education for children'. Not because I don't believe in it but since my boss had picked my Bib nunmber and he was missing from the scene on the morning of marathon. Anyways, The marathon had started for us, long before we imagined, right from the collection point, Bikaji Cama place, where all the team was supposed to unite and march off in a shuttle but as I said, it literarly turned out a 3km marathon towards the venue due to non-availability of shuttle. We reached the venue and my boss was still missing, now road back home was longer than the 7km marathon road ahead. I decided to follow the crowd into the well guarded entrance while thinking of all the consequences, maximum I would be standing besides the photographer waiting at the finishing point. So, I was trying to be as normal while enjoying every bit of crazyness all around.
There were people of all ages, abilities and colors from different walks of corporates around. Among them we, as a team, were moving towards the start line. Everything was crawling, through to the "real" starting flag-off line, not only because of half marathon we had already completed so far, from "our" starting point but also due to presence of overwhelming crowd all the way and also ofcourse the screaming, shouting fans of the Badshah of Bollywood, who was at the flag-off stage along with others well know but little recongnized celebrities waiting for their moments.
Finally we reached the point where we could actually start the marathon run, thanks to Badshah's fortunate/unfortuncate exit from the scene. We still got the chance to reply waves to Rahul Bose, Vijender Singh, Shiela Dixit and Suresh Kalmadi. We started with Comverse flag held high, ultimately we also had to support the primary concern of the company. Soon everybody was on his own to test his mettle under the Sun on unusually jammed with people, which is usually jammed with vehicles, Delhi road. It was not less than any jog-saw puzzle for any serious candidate, one had to find his way forward among fellow runners. As soon as I ran past the 1Km sign my speed started to decrease and carnival like fun began to increase. One could hear all kinds of slogans like 'Jai Mata Di', see fancy dresses and couldnt resist observing colored hairs too with less mean more moral support for different causes. Amidst all this, I had forgot about my Bib number when our HR Congratulated me for this distinct achievement, and to my realisation, I was the only one running "without a cause". But I think it was of lesser importance than reaching the finish line and the joy of running.
After 1Hr of marathon, I shambled my way to the finish line. Only thing I could think of was to get hold of some refreshement for the tired legs and empty stomach. From gulcose biscuits and water to Fruits and juices everything tasted like heaven after a decent outing in winter's early morning Sun. Finally to "add the cause" to my run, there was my boss standing in the refreshment camp with my Bib number in his hands, he had reached the venue long before us and ran the Corporate Challenge all alone. I thanked him to carry my number through the marathon and after a while left from the venue with the Bib number.
Share your experiences/thoughts, I appreciate your visit.
