At 70 plus, they are game for a run

Among them was 76-year- old V R Jayaraman from Velachery, who was all set to brisk walk for the 10,000 (10k) half marathon that he has been registering for, every year. “I have been participating in half marathons for the past five years. While my son runs for the 21k event, I register myself for the 10k half marathon,” said the oldest male participant in the 10k event. “I enjoy brisk walking, and accompanying my grandchildren who also participated in the event, brings me great joy. Since I retired about 15 years ago, I have been trying everything possible to keep myself fit, including going for a morning walk every day,” said Jayaraman who took almost two hours to complete his walk.

While Jayaraman was the oldest under his category, there were many septuagenarians who were there to participate in the half marathon. “More than the walk, it is the experience of meeting many people and enjoying the city together,” said 79-year-old Sundari, the oldest female runner in the 10k run.  Having spent 65 years in Delhi, these marathons are what make her love Chennai even more. “When you are surrounded by youngsters, you can never grow old. This generation is remarkable.  Chennai is known for its walks and it is what made me fall in love with the city instantly. Many bystanders encouraged me cheering, ‘come on paati,’ which motivated me to no end. Also, the fact that the proceeds from the run will go to a cause, pushed me to register,” said the woman who also took nearly two hours to complete the walk. 

This year saw a rise in the number of participants from over 400 in 2012 to around 5,000 and the runners are hoping to see many more next year.

With an aim to donate the proceeds of the Run to Freedom Trust for providing prosthetic limbs for the economically challenged sections of the society, the event on Sunday saw many families brisk walking/running in support of the cause.