SPORTS REPORTER
JAMMU: Like every year, Mumbai keeping continuity with its yearly trend organised the 13th edition of Standard Chartered full marathon. There was an overwhelming participation of around 40,000 people from India and abroad.
The race started from Azad Maidan to sea link and then back to Azad Maidan covering a distance of 42 kms.
In this national and international representation Jammu also secured its place through its four participants.
All four finished the full marathon and kept the head of the State high.
All four befall in the age group of forty five to sixty plus. An age group in which people intend to settle down with their grand children and health trivialities. The fantastic running four including, Rajesh Padha, Prabhath Singh, V.K Dogra and Pawan Sharma proved that age is no bar when intentions are strong to accomplish something.
Like no ship reaches its destination without a mentor. Similarly, the three participants were motivated by Rajesh Padha who is now a well entrenched marathoner of Jammu with an experience of ten half marathons and three full marathons.
Hence, with a team of plus 50 age group, Padha along with his team completed the full marathon creating an inspiration for hundreds of veterans in Jammu.
Running in itself for many is a tedious task.
And running a marathon is no less than a herculin task. Hence, its a moment of pride for all Jammuites that the following participants completed the marathon with these timings:
While Prabhath Singh completed the marathon in 5.09 hrs followed by V.K Dogra in 6.01 hrs and then by Pawan Sharma in 6.14 hrs. Sharma’s marathon run deserves immense appreciation since she has smashed the illusion that women are physically weak or can’t run. Her performance is worth special compliments. But, the most amazing of all has been the performance of Padha, who completed the marathon in 4.14 hrs. By, conquering the running field with this timing Padha shattered his own record of last time which was 5.05 hrs. Hence, his motivation and training not only boosted his zeal but made the other three to complete the marathon as well. One can truly say looking at the experienced marathoner that continuous practice increases your fitness level leading to slashing of all age bars. And can make one achieve all tough tasks. Padha has proved that with strong determination one can compel age to run backwards and body to run forwards.
Padha said that marathon was not only ran with physical fitness but immense mental strength. It’s brings moments of ‘give up’ but you have to self motivate yourself and then the goal is not far anymore.
He’s inspired by Fauja Singh who is a running history in himself.
He said Fauja Singh runs with love for his country and passion for running and i follow his zeal. Our four veteran marathoners said that every Jammuite must run and should join their league.
