A marathon to celebrate the city’s rich heritage

Run aims to create awareness and GENERATE FUNDS for conservation of important historical structures

On September 14, the city will witness a unique run — the Madras Heritage Marathon.

Aimed at creating awareness about, and conserving heritage structures, the run is being conducted by Prastara Charitable Trust, and has three categories — 3 km, 5 km and 10 km.

“The idea is to reach out to people, celebrate our city’s iconic structures and generate funds for conservation,” says A.R.A. Rajinikanth, a trustee.

The run, he says, will begin at Queen Mary’s College (which is celebrating its centenary this year), go past Ice House, Presidency College, the Public Works Department, Anna University, the University of Madras, Napier Bridge, War Memorial, Fort St. George, RBI and Port Trust — all structures with a wealth of history behind them.

Since it will be difficult to explain the importance of these buildings while people are running, the organisers have been holding events over the past couple of weekends to engage with people prior to the run.

“This weekend too, we have a slow-paced heritage run to get people interested,” says Mr. Rajinikanth.

Vijay Prabhat Kamalakara, managing director, Storytrails India, is leading these, with a new trail: ‘Stories on the Run’.

“Each stretch of this run is about 150 metres, after which we stop at a site, tell a story, and then continue running. The stories are about what the British left behind — in terms of education, the judiciary and our railways. Most people pass so many monuments on a daily basis, but don’t give them a second glance. This in an attempt to bring our monuments alive,” he says.

The events prior to the heritage marathon will be held between 5.30 a.m. and 7.30 a.m., starting at Gandhi Statue, next Saturday and Sunday, and are free.