AIRTEL KOLKATA MARATHON 2009

Airtel Kolkata Marathon 2009

This was an awesome Sunday morning! On the 22nd February, 2009! The maidan tent had more crowd than any other ordinary days. With over 20,000 participants ready to face the challenge to bag nearly INR 1.1 million prize money. City celebrities flocked into the spot with a festive mood. 

Women participants run for 'Airtel Kolkata Marathon' in Kolkata

My friend, who was also a volunteer, told that the spirit was high! And it was sprouted with true sportsmanship. He spotted an aged person desperate to complete the race. When asked why, his reply was worth mentioning! "Let me finish the race!  If I can't run forty-two odd kilometers, I would rather walk to reach the finishing line!"

And that's the spirit.  The race comprising of three different categories - Men’s Marathon (42.195 km), Women’s Run (10.5 km), and SAIL Celebrity Run (4.2 km)! Police Commissioner Gautam Mohan Chakrabarty flagged off the race, which is now into fifth year. Participants include corporate executives, school children and even those physically challenged persons.

Had you been there, you could have easily spotted all city celebs running for health, integrity and prosperity!

This is, claimed to be, the largest marathon in the eastern India.

Official Website: Airtel Kolkata Marathon
Photo by Bikas Das