Records
Ranjith Vijayan of Singapore broke the world record for solving the most Rubik’s Cubes while running a marathon: he solved 262 cubes in five hours, beating Blair Williamson’s 254. “I am really happy I could break the record. However, I couldn’t meet the target I had set out to achieve,” said Mr. Vijayan, who was aiming at 400-450. “I was well-paced. However, at about the 25-km mark I started blanking out and wasn’t able to solve cubes as quickly as I needed to.”
Meanwhile, Jayanthi Sampathkumar broke her own record of running a marathon in a sari on Sunday, clocking 4’45”30. “It was a good run and I did not have any issues. I think I could have done a little better,” she said. The heat and humidity did not bother her. “I knew what the weather would be like and had prepared myself accordingly.”
Obstacles
The biggest speed-bumps for many runners were the shut gates at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus subway and the subsequent blockades, which took them by surprise. While volunteers tried to help them around some, many of them chose the only exit that was open at CST (towards Capitol Cinema) and walk out towards Azad Maidan. “The Dream Run is 6 km, but they should ideally increase it to the distance we walk in trying to locating the start,” said a participant jokingly, adding that it is a great event but the signage could be better.
Causes
Five thalassemia major patients participated in the Dream Run to raise awareness about their condition and the measures they want the government and citizens to take. “We want our condition and the issues we face to be as universally recognised as HIV and cancer,” said Pankaj Sethi (31). Most people with thalassemia major don’t live beyond the age of 20. They need to undergo blood transfusion every month. The group aimed to raise awareness about their regular requirement for blood and the need for more blood donation drives, pre-natal testing to detect the condition and government initiatives to create awareness about their condition.
