With 11k and 6k trails set among a rustic and rural landscape, the Tiger Run 2017, organised by the Coimbatore ACME Round Table 133 (CART 133) on January 29, was to raise funds and awareness about tiger conservation.
The Firebird Institute of Research in Management in Chettipalayam on the outskirts of Coimbatore bustled with activity as a Zumba routine got the runners warmed up for the race. The 11k category with over 250 participants was flagged off by R.V. Ramyabharathi, Superintendent of Police, Coimbatore. The 11k category had the timing chip to record individual runner’s race timing. The 6k run with close to 1500 participants was more a fun run, with children and families taking part.
The 11k route was scenic looping around the Coimbatore Golf course and the picturesque countryside. It was challenging with long uphill and downhill stretches. The weather was perfect with overcast clouds and a gently breeze.
The Chettipalayam area is notorious for stray dogs chasing after runners and cyclists. But the organisers had taken extra measures with the help of animal protection groups to handle the stray dogs and provide a safe running route.
The route took the runners through a rustic landscape
We ran past rows of swaying coconut palms. The countryside was just waking up on Sunday morning, to witness the men and women in sneakers motoring on. The aid stations were well run with water, a lemon drink, glucose water, bananas and salt. The overcast weather was perfect for the runners and provided the backdrop for a pleasant and enjoyable run. As the runners were finishing, there was a mild drizzle and it helped cool off after the intense effort on the trail.
Foot thumping music with a dance troupe on stage encouraged the runners to dance along and enjoy the rest of the morning. Many of the runners had enough gas in their tank to dance on even after completing a demanding run. A hearty breakfast by Madampatti Rangaraj added to the happy mood. Attractive cash prizes were given away to the top three finishers in the men’s and women’s category of the 11k. Every individual runner received a race medal with the stripes of a tiger which in turn reinforced the cause behind this run.
‘Project Tiger’ was launched by Coimbatore ACME Round Table 133 (CART) in 2010 and is witnessing tremendous success over the years. Loss of habitat is the leading contributor to the decline in tiger population. CART 133 compensates villagers for their loss of livestock due to tiger and leopard attacks in the forest fringe. They actively interact with and educate the villagers to prevent them from poisoning the carcass of cattle, thereby saving the tiger. They also work with forest departments and help in building water troughs and other amenities within tiger reserves. Unique lapel pins are sold to raise funds to support this special project. Recent censuses show an increase in the number of tigers across the country in various National Parks which is proof that conservation efforts do have a positive impact on wildlife and environment.
The tiger run was conceptualised last year and in its second year now is already seeing a growing number of runners and other well-wishers supporting the cause. The run was also organised as part of the Kovai Vizha 2017 and will be an annual feature in the city’s running calendar.
