a maha-race with a big heart

Aurangabad Mahamarathon 2018

By Veloscope

February 12^th, 2019

far removed from Pheidippides

It might've started off as the story of a courier with a news to tell... or as the need of the human race to chase down food, and survive. But the modern distance running could not be more varied from those beginnings, as is visible in the spectacle that is the Aurangabad Mahamarathon. Why? There are folks running the marathon, half marathon and 10k distances. There is rangoli on the streets, roadside baithaks with singers encouraging the runners and the shorter 3k, 2k runs to introduce many many more to this joyous sport.

India, on the run

Every walk of life, every type of runner, every distance run. Each one of these folks have their own story. Wouldn't it be great to hear it all! The heartwarming scenes of seeing

One for the women of aurangabad

They turned up in droves, and ran to their hearts' content. It is wonderful to see how many women strode out, and accomplished the race to the finish line, for themselves. Whether it's the joy of a 21k run post serious training or a shorter distance run in sari and socks, an accomplishment is an accomplishment. That the race is supported by Lokmat, which has a large women's empowerment mandate, was clear in the turnout of women.

#IRunformyself

The race aims to enable people to put their health and wellness first. This behaviour, they hope, inspires others to follow the example set, and set aside time and focus, for their own well-being too. This stage in the development of the running community is wonderfully idealistic.

An enthusiastic flag-off

Followed by a high energy race

Culture at the forefront

The race has already bagged a couple of world-records in previous editions, for the largest group of people singing the national anthem, etc. No wonder then, that it is a hotbed for taking to the streets and demonstrating artistic abilities

Centre stage

The winners took the podium, received their accolades from esteemed guests and pillars of their community

Warming up to a culture of running...

... looks exactly like this. A stadium, the pre-dawn dark, and a bunch of people, getting ready to meet their fittest, strongest selves.

Race support

From young energy in various forms, to cheering squads to very well-stocked aid-stations to strong medical support, the race had it all

Aurangabad running...

It is heartwarming to see the running revolution reach as many cities as it has. This is evidence of a vibrant and maha-sporty Aurangabad on the run. More power!