Sometime ago I mentioned that Indians and Greeks are not the keenest on sports but this seems to be rapidly changing. The Greeks brought the Marathon to the world and the good people of Delhi nearly 8,000 of them are going to be out on the streets today to run the half marathon which is attracting a great deal of interest and media attention.
It is being sponsored by Kingfisher, one of the local beers here and Airtel, a mobile phone company and on Saturday I was invited to a wonderful pre marathon party where we were treated to a great fashion show of sportswear with a number of sporting celebs like Cathy Freeman and athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia (all here to compete) taking to the cat walk to strut their stuff. This was followed by a sumptuous dinner and dancing – not particularly good for those who want to get into shape as it really was tempting and delicious but we did our little bit on the dance floor.
Delhi does not do things in half measures, well except for this half marathon. Delhi wallahs love any excuse to party. There must have been three parties going on simultaneously at this hotel and if you were really adept you could probably go from one to another. You chances of winning the Marathon however would be woefully reduced.
Go out there and support the runners today. Last year the event raised 1.6 Crore for charity.
I went out this morning with the intention of watching two gals run ... one of them finished faster than she set out to run, so I missed her, but got to cheer on the other one to a finish ... and take in all of the sights. Bummed I couldn't run it, especially as I know it would have been an experience of a lifetime ... running a half in Delhi! Next year! What a load of noise, colors, craziness and a surprisingly SMALL percentage of running shoes/gear!
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