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Over 10,000 people ran for a cause in the sixth edition of the Bengaluru Midnight Marathon, at the Karnataka Trade Promotional Organisation (KTPO), Whitefield. The theme for this year was, ‘Run for Bengaluru.’
The event, organised by the Rotary of Bangalore IT Corridor (RBITC) to fund social service projects, saw the people of Bengaluru turn out in large numbers; the largest crowd they have had till date. The key events were the 42 km Full-Marathon, the Carewel Half-Marathon, along with the Corporate and Community Relays.
But the star attraction was the Target 10K Run which saw over 3000 people of all age groups, from various walks of life, compete. The fund-raiser also saw the debut of defense forces at the event. More than 200 athletes from the Army, Navy and Air Force ran the 10k, Half Marathon and Full Marathon.
Manikandan of the Madras Engg Group, (M.E.G) upon winning the Target 10K in 00:31:36 said, “This the first ever marathon event that I have participated in. We keep hearing about marathons all over India but never get permission from our superiors to leave camp. This is the first time we were allowed to participate in something like this and it feels great. I hope to come every year, if not to win but at least run with the people of my country.”
In the women’s Target 10k category, the winner had an astounding 15 minutes lead and finished the race in just 40 minutes 17 seconds. Priyanka Singh Patel who hails from UP, represents India at the CommonWealth Games.
As the clock ticked towards midnight, it was time for the most awaited races — the full and half marathon. While the professionals gathered at the start/finish line, participants of other races cheered them on from the sidelines. And as it always has been, the Africans dominated this unique marathon too. Issac Ngemui, from Kenya, won the Half-Marathon in 1:09:36 and his compatriot Daniel Yegon took the Full Marathon in 2:27:40.
The Women’s Categories were also dominated by the Kenyans. Gladys Tarus from Kenya came first in the Full Marathon while Eunice Kiplagat from Kenya won the Half Marathon. They finished in 2:59:44 and 1:22:18 respectively.
Yegon said, “It always feels great to run a marathon, but to win is something I can’t describe. I have been running as a profession and a passion all my life. Running is responsible for taking me all around the world. This is my first ever midnight marathon and I look forward to coming back to India and taking part again. What I loved about tonight was seeing people run for love of running and nothing else.”
The Winners of the Full Marathon – Men
All in all, it was an enjoyable night for both spectators and participants alike. Local band ‘One Night Stand’ performed a few covers of classics like Sweet Home Alabama and even played a few Hindi numbers.
The Honor Roll:
The winners of the various races are as follows:
Adecco IT City Run:
Men’s Category:
Manoj R- First
Tej Rekhi- Second
Sagar-Third
Women’s Category:
Sowbhagya Shree- First
Yashyyne Vahu- Second
Radikha – Third
Target 10k run:
Men’s Category:
Manikandan HR- MEG & Centre, Bangalore- First – 00:31:36
Rakesh – MEG & Centre, Bangalore- Second- 00: 31:37
Srinu B – MEG & Centre- Third- 00:31:55
Women’s Category:
Priyanka Singh Patel – First- from Indian Railways: 00:40:17
Deepa Susan George- Second- 00:55:26
Babita Banumathy – Third- 00:55:54
Carewel Half Marathon:
Men’s Category:
Isaac Ngemui– Kenya- 1:09:36
Kipkering Hillary- Kenya- 1:09:41
Anbu Kumar – MEG & Centre, Bangalore- 1:09:49
Women’s Category:
Eunice Kiplagat – Kenya- 1:22:18
Jon Aiyabei- Kenya- 1: 23: 53
Lalitha Babar- from Maharashtra- Indian Railways: 1:26:27
Full Marathon: (Mens Category)
Daniel Yegon (Kenya) – First (2:27:40)
Joseph Kenio (Kenya) – Second (2:40:13)
Santhosh M (Bangalore) – MEG & Centre- Third (2:41:11)
Full Marathon (Womens Category)
Gladys Tarus – First (2:59:44)- Kenya
Sudha Mani- Second (3:16: 48) – Tamil Nadu
Indresh Dhiraj- Third (3:37:07) – Karnataka
Corporate Relay:
INDIC – First
TESCO – Second
GOLDMAN SACCHS – Third
Women’s Relay:
GOLDMAN SACCHS- First- 3:07:52
TESCO- Second- 3:50:59
