Summer tends to be low season for running. While determined runners try to beat the heat and crank out those miles, it is tempting to use the weather as an excuse to skip your workout. And, this summer was especially tough.
However, with the just-concluded Dream Runners Half Marathon in Chennai kicking off the running event season, summer is officially over for runners! It’s time to sign up for a race and hit the road training for it. With running becoming popular, running events are mushrooming all around the country and you are spoilt for choice.
Some great races (in chronological order) are:
Airtel Hyderabad Marathon, August 28 (www.marathonhyderabad.com) Planned and implemented meticulously by a passionate team of runners, this is said to be one of the best organised running events in the country. With Hyderabad’s rolling terrain, this is also one of the toughest!
Chennai Trail Marathon, September 11 (www.chennaitrekkers.org)
The amazing volunteers, who form the Chennai Trekking Club, organise this beautiful trail run in the outskirts of Chennai. Running through red sand, along lakes and quarries, you’d never imagine that you are so close to the concrete jungle that is South India’s largest city.
Ladakh Marathon, September 11 (www.ladakhmarathon.com )
The highest AIMS certified marathon in the world, the breathtaking route runs along the Leh valley, amidst towering mountains and peaks and across the legendary Indus River. The elevation means that this race is only for experienced runners, but it is definitely a run you should plan for.
Vodafone Coimbatore Marathon, October 2 (www.coimbatoremarathon.com) With comfortable weather enhanced by a cool breeze from the surrounding hills, Coimbatore is a great city for running. No wonder its annual running festival attracts 10,000 plus runners. Organised in aid of the Coimbatore Cancer Foundation, this is also a great cause to celebrate on The Mahatma’s birthday.
Bengaluru Marathon, October 23 (www.bengalurumarathon.in)
For a city famed for its weather and greenery, it’s surprising that Bengaluru took so long to get an annual marathon. Now that it has, the city hasn’t looked back. In its third edition, the Bengaluru Marathon celebrates the Garden City and its large contingent of runners. And of course, the City of Pubs offers enough options for a well-deserved post-run celebration.
Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, November 20 (adhm.procamrunning.in)
The Capital city throws a capital running party every year, attracting some of the best runners from across the world, besides thousands of regular folks. A flat and fast course in cool November weather means this could be a good place to go for a personal best performance.
The Wipro Chennai Marathon, December 11 (www.thewiprochennaimarathon.
com)
One of the largest marathons in the country, this run has become a Chennai fixture and marks the start of the Chennai cultural season. Along the Marina beach and passing through various iconic landmarks, this run gives you the best of Chennai, backed by world class organisation and runner support.
This is just a small list. There are hundreds of other running events all over the country. Choose a few, sign up, put on your running shoes, and start training! Signing up for a running event motivates you to keep your training going, and it’s a great opportunity to experience the excitement and adrenaline of a race day, and make some friends along the way.
Popular races tend to sell out early, so pull out your Smartphone and register quickly!
Plan for the run
* Signing up for a running event motivates you to stick to your training plan
* Race Day excitement provides a boost to your running performance
* With hundreds of races happening, you will find some which fit your schedule and your goals
* Plan a holiday around the event
* The weather will only get better from now!
