A walk for a good cause

I always wanted to do something different from my routine in the weekends. Last weekend was special. It was the 10 K run – a marathon organized in Hyderabad for various causes. The cause was originally Health, Fitness and Environment. But unfortunately it was transformed into one single cause – Fight against Terrorism.

So many employees from various IT companies, NGOs, school and college students participated in the event. The people who usually wake up at 9 or 10 on Sundays were present at the People’s plaza sharply at 6:30. It was a real festive ambience. I was so proud to a part of thousands of people running for some good cause. The scarlet color was Omni-present and everyone seemed to be cheered up involuntarily. No one had the apprehensions of whether they would be able to cover the entire distance in one go. They all wanted to participate and nothing else was in their minds.

It was a beautiful winter morning with no pollution of sound or air around us. The Marathon started at 7:30 and we all started our journey wanting whole-heartedly to complete it atleast within 2 hrs. We were mutually motivated and none of us were feeling tired. First kilometer was the longest. Later we got used to the distances. We were not waiting for the next milestone. Here and there, they had arranged for some rock bands to keep us away from exhaustion. The whole walk or rather run was around the Hussain Sagar Lake. Once in a while there were diversions to extend the length of the road to 10kms. We usually have a notion that people take the easiest path to complete the task. But none of them took the shorter route. Everybody was so sincere that they obeyed the directions, knowing that crossing the 10 cm tall divider would cost them nothing.

I was jogging alone for almost half of the marathon. Surprisingly I was not feeling bored neither did I fall into introspection. I was observing the outside world. I was feeling euphoric to be amidst hundreds of good people. In spite of all the attacks happening around me I felt a sense of unity and humanity the world is preserving. I discovered some beautiful architecture on the way, which was never an item in the list of Must-See places in Hyderabad. The whole task of 10K run was made much easier by these natural elements.

We could spot the 1km (Remaining) mark sooner than expected. It was really a joyous moment when we crossed the chequered flag. Everyone has won in this event or atleast that was the feeling we all had. The entire journey ended in just an hour and a half. I did not feel any tiredness or pain for the whole day. It all started the next day but made sure I went to office. 

The crux of the event is the endurance, belief in oneself and above all the pride of participation. If anyone possesses these qualities, he or she can go to farther not only in this kind of marathon but also in the marathon of life. Waiting for the next Marathon! Three cheers to Hyderabad and the 10 K foundation!!!!