FIRST MONSOON MARATHON

The first rains.

By Veloscope

November 5^th, 2017

When? When will it rain?”, as temperature remains high across many regions of India during the relentless summer heat, everyone rests their hopes and prayers on those magical clouds to bring their gift of rain to the land. There is always a palpable sense of growing excitement, tinged with anxiety as the city dwellers, villagers, farmers, young and old await the monsoon arrival to wash away the summer heat. No doubt, monsoon is such a celebrated meteorological event in India. These annual seasonal rains also ring in a bit of nostalgia – scents of the Earth and green, splash in the puddles, paper boats, garam chai and pakoda’s in the verandah with 80’s and 90’s music and a“ run /walk / dance in the drizzle/ first rain. Times may change but something’s are always gold.

The First Monsoon Marathon, organized by the Run Buddies Club was a grand opening in the planned exciting series of five running events spread over four months from June to September and aims on promoting running and joy derivatives while keeping the best scenic location underlined and double quoted for a guaranteed fun and a rich new experience

The first Monsoon Marathon (FMM) venue and route had a breath taking view along Prabalgad and Kalavntin Durg amidst the scenic beauty of Sahyadri. It’s a flat route at the base of Prabalgad fort and is a SCCM qualifier. The competitive race categories were 21 km, 10 km and 15 km. Also, a non- competitive fun 5km run category was another option for the beginners.The starting point was about 30 minutes from Navi Mumbai and 45 minutes from Lonavala. It starts from Aayush Resort at the scenic foothills of Prabalgad, about 9 Km from Panvel Railway Station and running towards Nere village. Intermittent rains welcomed the runners from Mumbai and Pune who gathered there in good numbers for participation. After a brief meet and greet session, runners proceeded towards the holding area near the pool with Mountain View as a back drop. Beautiful? So beautiful!

ENTER THE RAIN.

The FMM lived up to its name, very evidently. After hot and dry summer, monsoon arrived in all its glory just a day or two before the race day. There was a heavy downpour on the previous night, which continued to the morning too, on the race day – yes! Actually.

After a zumba warm up and short instructions announcement, runners moved to the start line. The race was flagged off at 6:45 am.

Although the route was a flat course, it couldn’t be stamped for an easy race. It was a rolling terrain moving towards the majestic Prabalgad fort through the soft mud and slippery trails, gravel and plains under the drizzle and splash in the water logged regions. It was technical and demanded constant awareness due to the wet rain patches and constant drizzle.

But it was a treat for the senses. All the pain and discomfort was blurred and washed away by the most scenic surroundings covered in mist and dense green cover. Running through the country side and the villages alongside the green mountains, rice fields and streams, the experience is inexplicable and an unadulterated joy. The thing with running in the rain is, once you’re soaked, you’re soaked. You won’t be “more soaked” ten miles down the road.

SOAK IN.

LIFE GOES ON.

While the runners were coming into terms with the rain and how to manage their strides, it was just another routine day for the folks from the village and the volunteers for the race. Rains welcomed , but life goes on.

Running in the rain could be fun, liberating and sometimes a little miserable due to various elements. So here’s to the rain, a method to this meteorological madness, a few guidelines to make your run enjoyable:

- Wet weather increases the potential for chafing. Use Body glide in the areas where friction is noticeable.

- A moisture wicking and well fit inner layer with a light-weight and weather resistant running jacket as an outer layer to keep you warm. A visor/ cap to keep the rain off your face and eyes.

- Grab your reflective wear and headlight for a run in the low visibility areas to keep off from any unfortunate accident.

let's begin.

A marquee series that debuted last year, only grows stronger in it's second edition, really no surprises there considering the things on offer. A challenging route, location straight out of movie songs and an experience unparalleled, there aren't really any points to not like about it. First leg done and it did live up to everything it promised and more. Run Buddies Club events can be put into a category that says - Run Vacation, oh is true!