Rank amateurs will rub shoulders with seasoned professionals among the 15,000 expected for the Freedom 10K run, to be held at Necklace Road on November 26, into its 15th edition.
Founding fathers of the nation’s first such initiative Jayesh Ranjan, Telangana IT Secretary and film producer D. Suresh Babu were at hand to see the latest version being launched by Tollywood actors Vijaya Devarakonda and Poonam Kaur at a city hotel on Thursday.
Mr. Ranjan recalled how they sought to improve the lifestyle of a laidback city. “Hyderabad was the pioneer with Bengaluru and Delhi following suit. Several Olympians, such as Flying Sikh Milkha Singh, took part in the run here,” he said.
Urging the IT companies to encourage their employees to run, he welcomed the formation of running clubs that had about 200 to 300 members in various localities. “Instead of resting on the laurels of the 15 years gone by, we need to look ahead at 50 years,” said Mr. Ranjan.
Mr. Babu remembered how they had envisioned a drive free from political and religious colours, aimed purely at making Hyderabad a global city, as much as it has become the country’s badminton capital. “We were looking for a most joyful event that would set standards, where aspirants would pick up the best running practices. We are urging lake committees to safeguard their neighbouring water bodies from pollution,” Mr. Babu said.
Race director Murali Nannapanni said running was the cheapest medicine to buy. After the event’s teaser was shown, he said he was glad the city and the State government had adopted the event as their own.
P. Chandra Shekhara Reddy, vice-president, Freedom, the sponsor of the event, said he had walked through all the 14 earlier editions. It was heartening to see even the differently-abled taking part, he said.
Vijaya Devarakonda said he hated waking up early until he saw the streets coming alive during the run. “I’m proud of Hyderabad, a chill, multi-cultural city. It will become much cooler with the run,” he said.
“I want to change the impressions of Hyderabad’s Nizami laidback lifestyle. I’m keen on a healthy and happy Hyderabad and I will train for the run myself,” said Poonam Kaur.
MaxCure Hospitals director Ravi Kiran was also present.
